Youth have the idealism and energy needed to recreate themselves and the world around them when they have the support and environment that nurtures their innate potential.

Rose Ann founded the Oregon chapter of Service for Peace, because she believes youth have the idealism and energy needed to recreate themselves and the world around them when they have the support and environment that nurtures their innate potential.
The Service for Peace Oregon Chapter designed and utilizes the Teen as Coach Model. Youth are trained in basic coaching skills, which they then use with their peers, younger sibling or younger peers in other youth programs. Rose Ann and Vicky Martin co-directed the first pilot project in the summer of 2004, and it was obvious from evaluations that the youth “got it”. They understood coaching concepts and they saw the value of using them with their friends and younger peers. The teen leaders can assist their peers in navigating the difficulties of the teen and pre-teen years. Younger youth idolize teens, so why not use that in a positive way by providing positive role models for these kids, rather than the less than ideal teen idols on MTV and other pop culture venues.

Teen testimonies:
"I learned many new things. I am less judgmental now, a good listener, more peaceful, and I learned how to coach. I have become a better person because of it." (Megan)

"I realized that everyone needs respect, not only those who deserve it." (Amy)

"I’m more inspired to do things for my community. I think I’m going to have a better relationship with my friends, family, and even people I don’t know. I learned leadership skills and team unity. I think we had a really big impact on the (younger) kids that came here." (Masataka)

"I learned a lot about leadership, mediation, coaching…and that we are all connected people, yet we are still unique individuals." (Sarah)

"When helping the (younger) kids I felt good because if you give them love and respect, they will show love and respect to others. Since they are the future of the community it could make the community a better place. "(Larissa)

"Not many people get a chance to do a service project that they really enjoy doing, but the people who participated this week got to do exactly that. Plus they’ll get to admire the work they’ve done for years to come." (Jared)

Testimonies of College-age Team Leaders
My life has changed in such a great, dramatic way! I will never forget this week and all the ...amazing people. (Sinead)

“Teen as Coach” is a program that I wish was available when I was an adolescent because it teaches people how to guide, help and support others in a constructive manner, and to build self-confidence. Teenagers, but also small children and adults could use these tools throughout their lives." (Liz)