Peer advocacy - a functional response to resisting bullying : structure and processes

![CDATA[Peer Advocacy represents an innovative and research- based approach to the preparation of young people for the shared responsibility of protection and support of their peers. This paper describes the functional components of the Peer Advocacy intervention. It locates the process of Peer Advocacy within the framework of a comprehensive approach to intervention in bullying in schools. It is implemented ideally within a supportive environment which acknowledges the damaging effects of peer abuse. It is embedded within the school- wide anti-bullying curriculum which assists young people to develop relevant personal competencies and interpersonal skills in preparation for the role of Peer Advocate. The theoretical underpinnings of Peer Advocacy as an intervention in bullying are described elsewhere, (Healey, in press) and are linked to original research which identified peer attitudes and competencies in relation to bullying. The structure and processes of Peer Advocacy as a training program comprising a set of guiding principles, operational principles, knowledge and procedures related to the role of advocacy as a bullying intervention are described in detail here. The program equips young people with the skills, motivation and commitment to assist their bullied peers in the quest for protective intervention. The objective is for relevant personal attributes, specific knowledge and informed advocacy skills to be developed and demonstrated as a result of inclusion in the program. It is an innovative and advanced program of intervention reliant upon the courage, skill and tenacity of young people in defence of each other even when those in authority are unresponsive to the need for protection.]]