Youth Over Violence

Philosophy of the In Touch With Teens Curriculum

These goals and principles lead us up to our philosophy: Violence is preventable. If we can learn it, we can unlearn it. Violence is not healthy for people and other living things. If we can see it, we can stop it. Silence is violence. If we can talk about it, we can change it.

The philosophy of this curriculum is based on certain principles:

1. Since much of violence is learned, it can be unlearned
2. Violence is preventable; it is not inevitable
3. The seeds for adult interpersonal violence are planted while young
4. Sexism, racism, and other socially sanctioned forms of violence affect interpersonal relationships
5. Teenage relationships must be taken seriously
6. Male teenagers must be educated about their aggressive impulses but not by being seen as the “enemy.” Males and females must be educated about the engendering of violence as a part of
   masculinity.
7. Empowerment lies in moving through victimization, not being stuck to it
8. Young people are capable of taking responsibility for creating violence-free relationships and
   environments.
9. Media influences attitudes and behavior and contributes to the desensitization to violence
10. A violence-prevention training program/curriculum cannot end violence on its own. Communities
    and families have to work together, with support from our institutions, to provide a positive future
    for our young people.

[philosophy] + [goals]