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Terry Brownotter

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Terry Brownotter

Advisor

Hello, my name is Terry Brownotter.  I’m the Peer Mentor Advisor for Standing Rock Community High School on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in Fort Yates, ND. I’ve been with the peer mentoring program with the students for about 4 years now and it has been a very important program for our student body to enhance their communication skills, to help combat negative peer pressure, to understand others and be understood with positive attitude atmosphere.

The reason for me to be part of a great successful program is having compassion and leadership to ensure that the students have an opportunity to be their own leadership thru this program. Plus to help growth developing leadership and communication skills and enhancing networking opportunities while also supporting others and contributing to a positive environment. To be a positive person that was born and raised on the reservation, that is from the community, works in the school system, and to be a great role model to the student body.

Outcomes:

Groups became increasingly unified, exhibiting a shared commitment to healthy norms, and actively encouraged peers in help-seeking behaviors, fostering a supportive environment where every member feels valued and understood.
Social Network Health's interactive training fostered an even more dynamic relationship network. Within these groups, vulnerable members can draw strength from adaptive members, leading to more changes in who they identify as valued connections.
Schools have reported significant improvements in various metrics, including increased daily attendance, higher graduation rates, enhanced identification of Trusted Adults, greater willingness to seek help, and improved connectedness among students and staff. Additionally, school disciplinary issues have notably declined, reflecting the program's positive impact on the school climate and student well-being.

Network Enhancing Facilitation Strategies

Creating an environment for collaborative learning to develop protective strengths and networks through:
  • Peer to Peer Learning
  • Personal Meaningfulness
  • Active and distributed Format
  • Authentic Connection

From Individual To Group Focus

  • Moving from a focus of individual skills to recognizing and developing group strengths.
  • Reflecting on how group strengths benefit individuals and the group.
  • Extending these benefits to the larger group.
  • Supports formation of key relationship and culture Intentional scaffolding.