FYI Peer Education Program

FYI Peer Educators participate in over 40 hours of education sessions over the course of two semesters. In these education sessions, Peer Educators learn about sexual decision making, birth control, sexually transmitted infections, healthy relationships, consent, communication, gender, sexual orientation, body image, and more. Through role plays, discussions, and activities, they gain valuable skills to help them communicate about these topics. With this knowledge and skills, Peer Educators commit to having conversations with their peers throughout the year to provide accurate, non-judgmental information on sex and relationships. Peer Educators answer questions, debunk myths, and seek out opportunities to provide young people more information about sexuality issues

FYI Peer Educators also participate in community advocacy on issues such as comprehensive sexuality education, sexual assault awareness, safer sex, LGBTQ+ rights, HIV stigma, and more. These advocacy events range from information handouts, speaking on panels, visibility events, skits, and even meeting with legislators.

Each spring, FYI Peer Educators host a photography exhibition called Framing Choice. Framing Choice is a photography exhibition where Peer Educators showcase photographs they have taken to depict choices or decisions young people often face in their lives.

• Knoxville World AIDS Day: FYI Peer Educators have written and acted in an original skit at the Knoxville World AIDS Day event each year since 2010.

• The Identity Project: Started in 2015 by two FYI Peer Educators and in partnership with KnowHow Knoxville, The Identity Project is a multimedia art exhibition that provides an opportunity for young people to express their lived experiences with gender, sexual orientation, race, ability, gender roles, and/or any other aspects of their identity. The goal of The Identity Project is to create a fun, safe, and educational event that helps individuals become more comfortable versions of themselves.

• Period Project Collection: In 2017, FYI started a menstrual hygiene product collection drive called the Period Project. Peer Educators collected over 2,000 items, which were donated to a local organization serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Meeting with State Legislators: Since 2011, FYI Peer Educators have traveled to Nashville each spring to meet with their state legislators about issues impacting them and their community. These visits provide an opportunity to learn more about state government and the legislative process and build Peer Educators’ advocacy skills.

• Speaking about FYI in the community: FYI Peer Educators are often invited to speak on panels, at workshops, and in the media about their work and experiences. Check out their spot on Community Television of Knoxville!

Each spring, FYI interviews and selects new applicants for the upcoming school year. Applicants must be rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors from the greater Knoxville area.