A New Generation of Leaders
Each academic year, Free to Be nominates a few exceptional Peer Educators to serve on the Youth Advisory Board (YAB).
These teens meet regularly to:
- Plan upcoming events
- Advise the staff about today’s popular culture
- Assist with PE recruitment
- Provide supportive relationships for newer PEs
The Youth Advisory Board for 2007 is:
Mary
I have been a part of Free to Be since my Freshman year. This program has helped me build healthier and stronger relationships. This is an everyday choice, not just a one-time thing. It has given me the freedom to hang out with guys without pressure, to keep a good reputation, and to have less stress and drama with friends.
Analisa
I chose to join Free to Be because I felt like I needed to think about where my life was going and where I wanted it to go. I have dreams and goals, and I want the person I care about to be able to accomplish what they want as well. I don’t think that very many people think about boundaries or behaviors on dates; they just go with the flow, and that can sometimes be dangerous. I want to be able to feel in control of at least one thing in my life and this is it. I can control my decision to be abstinent. I hope other people will think about it, because life should have no regrets.
Bryana
I want to value myself more than giving my virginity or myself sexually to every person I date. I don’t think that any guy is worth my virginity or worth the many tears after we break up. I value myself enough to wait. There are so many things you can do with a guy and not be sexually active. I want to be able to tell my future husband that I saved myself for him.
Kelsey
This is going to be my second year with Free to Be. I love it so much. It's made me realize how much power I have over my life and to not let people influence me. Not everyone is having sex like I first thought when I was in middle school. Free to Be has helped me see the kind of guys I want to date and spend time with.
Lauren
Becoming part of the Free to Be community has meant a lot to me. Being around other teens who have the same core beliefs when it comes to abstinence is great! Being able to impact my community with people who believe the same things that I do has helped me become much more open about my views and beliefs. It has also helped me realize that I am a role model within my community, and it has helped me become much more aware that the things that I do should reflect me and Free to Be in a positive light.
Maria
I've always believed in abstinence until marriage and Free-to-Be is a program that supports my decision, which I will live out in my own life.
Mark
Free to Be is great! Not only do I get to miss school and be the center of attention for a few minutes while everyone listens to me talk about something I really believe in and think about a lot, but I get to meet other people who believe in the same values as me. Being part of Free to Be makes me think a lot more about my views, and expand my ideas to discover new things about how I think of the world.