Youth Peer Leaders and Identity staff lit up the 2024 National Association for Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) Conference last week with an inspiring presentation on Identity’s youth Encuentros program, which supports and empowers teens through peer-led non-clinical emotional support group circles.
The presentation highlighted how Encuentros is making a difference by equipping high school students with essential skills and healthy coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, grief, and other difficult emotions. Through a blend of personal insights and information, Identity staff revealed how these groups are transforming the way young people approach emotional challenges.
In an especially emotional segment, several Youth Peer Leaders shared their personal journeys from participants to co-facilitators, reflecting on how Encuentros fosters a restorative space where young people can heal through sharing and listening to each other’s experiences. Former participants who are interested in co-leading future groups are trained in the 9-part curriculum and then co-facilitate with trained Identity staff.
One Youth Peer Leader described how Encuentros helped him manage his aggression and make better decisions, leading to healthier relationships with peers and teachers. Another said participating in the Encuentros circle dialogues connected her with new friends and helped her feel less isolated, fostering a sense of community and trust.
Youth Peer Leaders also explained that the program has motivated them to help others find the same support and growth they have experienced, illustrating the profound impact that Encuentros is having on not just participants but also their wider communities.
Congratulations to the Encuentros team and Youth Peer Leaders for delivering such a memorable and impactful presentation!
