What is M-POWER?


The M-POWER Peer Education Network serves the student body at ODU as an educational resource on the issues of sexual & relationship violence. Peer educators engage their fellow students in programs and discussions that promote gender equality and anti-violence. Through its presence and programs on the ODU campus, M-POWER creates spaces for education and change.

What will I gain?


There are many benefits to being a peer educator. You will develop your public speaking skills, become trained in violence prevention & advocacy, interact with the student community, serve as an important resource for other students, enhance self-efficacy, and build your resume!

What does it mean to be a peer educator?


As an M-POWER Peer Educator you will be required to complete 15 hours of training (view the schedule) and present a minimum of 4 presentations to the campus community.

Your role as a peer educator will be to give 45 minute to 1 hour presentations on topics related to healthy relationships, sexual assault and campus safety through the use of interactive activities. As a Peer Educator, you will present to residence halls, sororities and fraternities, athletic groups, and a variety of student organizations. You will also research current statistics and studies in the areas of relationship violence and sexual assault and assist with 1 program during either Relationship Violence Awareness Month (Fall Semester) or Sexual Assault Awareness Month or Women’s History Month (Spring Semester).

Peer Educators are very important people on a college campus, because it has been proven that students will listen to your message and be able to relate you because you are students. We will train you so that you can make these challenging topics an enlightening experience for all students at ODU. If just one student walks away with a new piece of information, a sense of safety and support, or information to help a friend, then you have done your job. You can’t save the world in one hour, but knowledge is contagious!

Who should apply?


Any ODU student! This program welcomes men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are currently enrolled as a student at ODU. Courses in Women’s Studies or courses cross-listed with Women’s Studies and/or a basic understanding of sexual & relationship violence issues and the feminist perspective is preferred but not required. If you have questions about applying, please call the Women’s Center at 683-4109 for more information.

How can I get involved?


Apply to be an M-POWER Peer Educator! Applications are available at the Women’s Center (1000 Webb University Center) or online (download as publisher file, PDF file or as an image - page 1 | page2). No experience is necessary but you must be a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student in good academic standing. The Fall 2007 application deadline is Friday, September 21, 2007. Return all completed applications to the Women’s Center by this date.

The required trainings will be October 15-November 12 on Mondays from 6-9pm. If you are unable to attend this training session, more opportunities to become a part of M-POWER will be offered in Fall 2008. Look for updates on the Women’s Center website.

Contact us for more Information:


M-POWER Peer Education Network
Women’s Center
1000 Webb University Center
Norfolk, VA 23529

Tel: 757-683-4109
http://www.odu.edu/womenscenter