Within every school, an informal “helping network” already exists. Students experiencing problems naturally turn to their peers and trusted adults for support. Natural Helpers of South Dakota uses this helping network to spread as much accurate information as possible. This program provides training to students and adults already serving as helpers, giving them skills to help others more effectively.
Program Goals
How it Works
Students and school adults are chosen to participate based on an anonymous survey and staff recommendations. These students and staff learn skills to become better natural helpers. Adult advisors monitor the natural helpers and provide additional training and support as needed.
Skills taught include:
- Qualities & expectations
- Importance of self-care
- Listening & communication
- Knowing when friends need help
- Situations that require professional help
- Expressing care & concern
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Available Resources
In 2023, South Dakota Public Broadcasting featured Lower Brule High School's Natural Helpers of South Dakota Program (18:55 - 23:10) in an episode of South Dakota Focus.
How it Works
Students and school adults are chosen to participate based on an anonymous survey and staff recommendations. These students and staff learn skills to become better Natural Helpers. Adult advisors monitor the Natural Helpers and provide additional training and support as needed.
Skills taught include:
- Qualities & expectations
- Importance of self-care
- Listening & communication
- Knowing when friends need help
- Situations that require professional help
- Expressing care & concern
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Available Resources
Students and staff learn skills to become better Natural Helpers, including:
- Qualities & expectations
- Importance of self-care
- Listening & communication
- Knowing when friends need help
- Situations that require professional help
- Expressing care & concern
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Available Resources
1.
Students and school adults are chosen to participate based on an anonymous survey and staff recommendations.
2.
Students and staff learn skills to become better Natural Helpers, including:
- Qualities & expectations
- Importance of self-care
- Listening & communication
- Knowing when friends need help
- Situations that require professional help
- Expressing care & concern
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Available Resources
3.
Adult advisors monitor the Natural Helpers and provide additional training and support as needed.
A Look Into Natural Helpers of South Dakota
In 2023, South Dakota Public Broadcasting featured Lower Brule High School's Natural Helpers of South Dakota Program (18:55 - 23:10) in an episode of South Dakota Focus.
Request a Natural Helpers Training for Your School
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