RSVP

Reducing Sexism and Violence Program

Our youth-focused and youth-informed Reducing Sexism and Violence Program (RSVP)™ was first introduced in 2006. The program serves middle school boys (ages 11-14) and all genders in high schools (ages 14-18). It is recognized nationally for its positive impact on boys and those around them. In partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, and communities, RSVP workshops are held in small group settings, incorporating multiple interactive learning styles, including physical activity, peer-to-peer dialogue, sharing, role play, animated film clips, and group discussions. This program is grounded in research, evidence-based practices, self-evaluations, and third-party evaluations.

RSVP High School Program (RSVP-HS) 

We deliver RSVP-HS to groups of 40 male and female students in a series of (2) six-hour sessions  

Multiple 3rd-party evaluations, including one by the Maine Center for Public Health, have found RSVP to be highly effective at changing attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs about sexism, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence. Over 75% of respondents showed an increased willingness to intervene as bystanders in gender-violent situations. Our self-administered student evaluations show that over 95% of participants leave knowing how to safely intervene if someone's behavior (online or in-person) makes them feel unsafe.

RSVP Middle School Program (RSVP-MS)

RSVP-MS is delivered in a series of (4) one-hour sessions to groups of 15-20 male students.

A study by The University of New Hampshire and Rutgers University validated the positive impacts on adolescent males, including broadening their emotional capacity and shifting attitudes about male power, gender equity, and coercion in relationships. The findings of this study are published in a peer-reviewed article in the 2019 Children and Youth Services Review journal.

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High Schools served:                                                 

• Biddeford
• Bonny Eagle
• Calais
• Cape Elizabeth
• Casco Bay
• Deering
• Freeport
• Glickman Academy
• Gorham
• Harpswell Coastal Academy
• Hebron Academy
• Kennebunk
• Lewiston
• Loring Job Corps Center (Limestone)
• Machias Memorial
• Madison
• Maine Coast Waldorf 
• Maranacook
• Monmouth Academy
• Mt. Ararat
• North Yarmouth Academy
• Portland
• Sacopee Valley
• Sanford
• Scarborough
• Shead (Eastport)
• South Portland
• Spruce Mountain (Jay)
• Thorton Academy
• Washington Academy (East Machias)
• Waterville
• Westbrook
• Windham
• Woodland
• Yarmouth

Middle Schools served:

• Bath
• Camden-Rockport
• Gorham
• Greely
• Harpswell Coastal Academy
• King
• Lake Region (Naples)
• Leonard (Old Town)
• Lewiston
• Lyman Moore (Portland) 
• Falmouth
• Mahoney (South Portland)
• Maranacook  
• Memorial (South Portland)
• Mahoney (South Portland)
• Massabesic (Waterboro)
• Mattanawcook
• Mt. Ararat (Topsham)
• Mt. Jefferson
• North Yarmouth Academy (Middle School)
• Quimby (Bingham)
• Scarborough
• Westbrook
• Whittier (Poland)
• Windham

JMG 2015 Leadership Education Conference serving ~80 schools 

Other:

• Day one
• Glickman Academy
• Learning Works
• Long Creek Youth Development Center
• REAL School
• Preble Street Teen Center