REBELS FOR PEACE IN SCHOOLS
Transformative conversations meet evidence-based SEL curriculum.
CHANGING MINDS AND UNCOVERING RESILIENCE IN SCHOOLS
Why We Created This Program
Growing up, we had a lot of people give us advice or tell us what to do, but they didn’t show us our own choices, our own minds, and our own potential. Now, we see that younger kids are having an even harder time. We see an increase in mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, stress, and overwhelm.
We want to be a relatable, long-term source of inspiration for the youth so that they can see for themselves how to deal with these issues. Diagnosing kids or labelling them is not the solution. We need to show them their true inner health, resilience, and potential.
We have spent the last few years working with children in and out of school, developing youth leaders, and have seen great results. This is not your standard SEL program or just youth mentoring. This is long-term, sustainable change.
After seeing what’s possible for ourselves and the children we work with, we want to do even more. Will you join us?
The curricula has shown to have the following results:
Statistically significant positive changes in exposed students – Pre-Teen
In mental well-being & understanding
of how the mind works:
85%
(vs 41% the control group)
Less difficulty in regulating emotions
(impulse control):
69%
(vs 42% the control group)
In communication, decision-making
& problem-solving skills:
78%
(vs 45% the control group)
In resilience (bounce back) –
from tough circumstances:
78%
(vs 49% the control group)
In resilience (compassion for others) –
during tough circumstances:
78%
(vs 49% the control group)
The Rebels in Schools Process
This experience is designed to both transform the student and allow that young person to help transform their surroundings. Together we can all be part of creating change, from the inside out.
The program has 3 key features and the following timeline.
Base SEL and Resilience curriculum
In depth lessons and discussions
Long term support
We don't teach or preach, cause sometimes you need someone to listen to you instead of telling you what you should or shouldn't do. We show the youth that no matter their age, height religion, or area they are from they can still make a change and be more than what they thought they could be. Growth is endless and with the power of their mindset there is no telling how far they can go.
About Rebels for Peace
The Rebels for Peace is a youth-led initiative to create a more peaceful Chicago. Founded in 2016 and currently led by Dajohn White and Prince Jimmar. Rebels for Peace works directly with youth and schools from several communities in Chicago to discover new solutions to violence. The organization also offers education, empowerment, and support to help youth maintain healthier and more resilient mindsets.
Rebels for Peace believes that violence is a symptom of a deeper problem: a lack of hope and opportunity for youth in Chicago. The organization works to address this problem by providing youth with the tools and resources they need to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
Here is what Dajohn says about the Rebels for Peace…
I started Rebels for Peace to enlighten people about the amazing power we have within ourselves. I want to educate them that even in their darkest times, they can still find the light within themselves without any external factors. They don’t need to put their pain on anyone else to brighten their spirit, and they don’t need to spend hours in therapy or take prescription drugs to heal the pain they feel inside. We believe that people change from the inside out, not the other way around. Once people see that change starts from within, they will stop looking for external factors to bring them internal happiness.
Dajohn White, Youth Leader and Co-founder of the Rebels for Peace
Important Information
What's unique about this program?
1. It is youth-led.
2. It is Evidence-Based
3. It is organic, engaging and fun.
While our base teaching follows an evidence-based curriculum, the interaction does not feel like lessons. Teachers and students alike report a significant increase in-class participation, and we consistently have students say things like it’s their favorite class, and that they wish it was longer.
4. Instead of being an extra burden on teachers, we make their job easier. Due to the nature of our focus on the mind and resilience, students become calmer, better listeners and communicators, less reactive and more interested in learning. All of these things ripple into the other classes of the school and helps overall engagement and results.
What is the time commitment?
Our support follows this timeline:
1. 12 Weeks going through the Spark Curriculum(this is minimum in order to secure impact)
2. 12 Weeks of conversation, activities and lessons from the Rebels going deeper on each topic.
3. Follow-up after that is a minimum once every quarter but can be as much as
continual weekly lessons.
We prioritize schools that are interested in a long-term partnership. This is the best for the kids because they get long-term involvement in a new way of thinking, and their mentors stay helping them for a long period.
What age group do you work with?
We work with kids and youth from K-12 – but focus on grades 4-8.
Is this program online or in person?
We can deliver our program both in-person and virtually and can adjust according to the schools needs and specific situation. We understand the current uncertain situation and can be flexible in the layout of the program
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact [email protected]
What's the background of the youth facilitators?
Our facilitators have been vetted to work in CPS, and are licenced to deliver evidence-based curriculum, as well as has gone through thorough training about the mind, resilience and working with youth.
About the Spark Curriculum and Research
The S.P.A.R.K. Mentoring curricula use age appropriate content and activities that have been proven to effectively reduce risk around high-school drop-out, drug use, bullying, suicide, depression and anxiety, while uncovering resiliency around academic success, impulse control, stress resistance, social-emotional skills and healthy relationships.
These programs prepare students for the self-sufficiency and resiliency needed to become successful young adults.
The S.P.A.R.K. Mentoring Programs address the following risk and protective factors:
- Academic Success
- Emotional Competency
- Self-Efficacy Skills
- Communication Skills
- Conflict Resolution Skills
- Connectedness to Family, School and Community
