Faces in Prevention

Jacky Earl
Everett, WA

Jacky Earl, a freshman at Monroe Junior High School in Everett, WA, participates in Power Play, a group that teaches eighth graders about the very serious and important issue of relationship violence. "We teach them the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and the ways to recognize what some of the warning signs are of unhealthy relationships. We do several group activities that get the students' attention and get them thinking about what they do and don't know about relationships," said Earl.

Earl got involved with Power Plays so she could "help more students and her peers understand the seriousness of relationship violence. I think the students really get a lot of useful information from us. I feel good that I am helping someone with their problems or helping young people talk to people who they know need help."

Sometimes students don't say much on the issue because they are afraid or they worry about being wrong. "That is a challenge. Sometimes they worry their peers will laugh at them. So we try to encourage the students that everyone's opinion counts and what they say is never wrong. Just think what kinds of things could happen if young people were not informed about the issue. In some ways I feel like I might be saving someone's life. That is a really great feeling," said Earl.