Askable Adult
Creating Safe Spaces to Build Youth Resiliency and Strengthen Connections
Project PEACE’s Prevention Committee launched the “Askable Adult” campaign to build the capacity of adults’ in Arlington to be judgement-free, approachable resources and supports for youth in Arlington. The campaign launched in Fall 2022 and includes a free workshop for those in parenting roles, adults who work and support youth, and community members who care about supporting youth in Arlington.
Listen to our podcast episode on Be Curious Radio!
Youth! Tell us about your askable adult.
Workshops
Do you consider yourself approachable? Do youth come to you for support and resources about topics most important to them? Are you looking for new ways to support and connect with youth? Then this workshop is for you! The Becoming More Askable Workshop is an opportunity to ensure that every young person in Arlington has at least one askable adult (a person youth has identified as willing and able to listen, provide support and understanding, and answer questions without judgment). Join us as we provide tips and identify strategies for becoming a more askable adult for the youth in your life. This workshop is geared towards all adults willing to support youth.
Attend an upcoming workshop:
Request a workshop for your organization: Email Ashley Blowe
This workshop is ideal for:
- Youth providers
- School staff
- Educators
- Parents and people in parenting roles
- Mentors
- Coaches
- Scout leaders
- Family members
- Anyone who works with or supports children and youth!
Brochures
Our brochure outlines the challenges Arlington youth face and the role adults play in being "askable" and approachable.
Mobile PDF versions:
What is an Askable Adult?
Being an askable adult means that you are approachable and make space for the youth in your life to come to you with any question. An Askable Adult may not always feel prepared to answer any question and that's okay! Being an askable adult is about being supportive and providing resources. Click on the links below to learn ways adults can help youth feel more comfortable asking for support and discussing sensitive issues.
What can YOU do to be More Askable?
Make the time to listen and open the lines of communication:
- Listen without judgment
- Ask open-ended questions to understand more
- Recognize and validate feelings
- Discuss expectations and boundaries
- Remain calm, regardless of what the young person tells you
Make a personal commitment to:
- Ask the youth in your life how you can be more askable for them
- Build meaningful relationships with youth
- Get more informed about the topics that are important to the youth in your life
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ youth and racial/ethnic minorities may have different experiences than other youth
Enhance skills that will make you more askable:
Adapted from the Vermont Network's Askable Adult Initiative.