Being a member of the Peer To Peer (P2P) organization is an honor. Along with membership come responsibilities that you should be aware of in making the decision to become part of the club.

HISTORY: P2P is one element within a larger program that falls under the Livingston Youth & Community Services (LYCS) Drug Prevention / Leadership organization. It has been in existence for over 10 years and was initiated under the collaboration of the Livingston Township Council, Livingston Board of Education, the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee and a large Parent group. The organization is supervised by the Mental Health Association of Essex County, Montclair, NJ and is funded by the Livingston Township Council, the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee and a yearly membership fee for P2P.

GOALS: The common goal among all of these groups is a commitment to create a positive impact on youth in Livingston.

WHAT IS PEER TO PEER ABOUT? The goals of Peer to Peer are: (1) To promote and maintain a drug-free lifestyle (2) To give students an opportunity to make a positive contribution to their school and their community (3) To provide personal growth experiences and opportunities for social bonding P2P is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug free group who are committed to living a healthy life style and take a stand as role models in leadership for themselves personally, within their families, their school, their community and to the world at large. P2P is open to all Livingston resident high school age students. All are welcome and encouraged to participate with open enrollment. A student’s motivation, commitment and time availability will determine both their level of involvement and benefit from being in the group. Registration forms for this Peer Leadership club were mailed to every student household in Livingston.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MEMBERS The guidelines/requirements of all Peer to Peer members are as follows:

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug (ATOD) Free To completely abstain from all uses of alcohol (except for religious purposes), tobacco, and other drugs and to live a healthy life style as a role model. II.

Attendance

• Each year there will be an initial week end training for all P2P members. The purpose of this training is to develop a common understanding and language among peers. The Full Value Commitment” (FVC) is the backbone of a shared agreement to work together as a group, to adhere to certain safety and group behavior guidelines while moving forward in accomplishing the goals and guidelines of P2P.
• Meetings are once a month from 5:30-7:00 pm at LHS. A schedule of the first semester’s meetings will be provided at our first meeting in September
• Activities vary from once to several times a month and are determined by committees that will be formed during the Camp Mason weekend.

Conduct

• All members are expected to be positive role models in all aspects of their lives. They shall maintain a higher standard of character as demonstrated by their behavior. Just one small example would be a P2P member not wearing clothing that advertises a product that would convey affiliation with alcohol, tobacco or other drug substances.

Commitment, Energy & Contract

• Membership in P2P entails a significant emotional and time commitment. P2P meetings, activities and events often conflict with other school, personal and sometimes family obligations. Please give great consideration and understand that what you put into this organization will determine the extent of your benefit.

Parental/Guardian Support

• In order to make Peer to Peer a success, we need the support from parents/guardians as well. Having family members support and agree with the philosophy, goals and guidelines will help students get the most out of their involvement from participating in this club. You will be asked to review and sign your child’s registration agreement, acknowledging approval of his/her desire to join.

Lead A General Meeting

• Every member must assist in leading at least one meeting over the course of the year. Besides remaining alcohol, tobacco and drug free there are expectations for leadership that are equally as important. Students are encouraged to negotiate on their own through obstacles and daily situations.