Utilizing a popular opinion leader approach, students are identified to participate in the L.E.A.P (Lead Empower Advocate Prevent) Train-the-Trainer Peer Leader Program. L.E.A.P members are on the forefront of addressing issues related to gender-based violence and discrimination and improving the overall response to this issue at the University of Iowa. Since fall 2015, 43 members of Fraternity & Sorority Life and 6 student athletes have joined the L.E.A.P. program.  

Student leaders complete an initial 5-hour train-the-trainer session that prepares them to co-facilitate bystander intervention workshops, carry out larger sexual assault prevention campaigns, as well as lead in initiating and implementing prevention programming within their organizations and teams.

L.E.A.P. Peer Leaders develop:

• Knowledge and skills regarding gender-based violence and discrimination prevention
• An understanding of bystander intervention and employ practical methods of intervention
• Realistic ways to help address this campus-wide issue
• The ability to recognize potentially harmful situations
• Effective communication skills in order to facilitate discussions

Requirements for participation include:

• Attending initial 5-hour training (held at the beginning of each semester)
• Co-facilitating one-hour bystander intervention workshops each semester
• Attending two or more train-the-trainer meetings each semester for on-going support

If you would like to learn more about becoming a trained facilitator, or would like to nominate a student leader, please contact Cody Howell at Cody-howell@uiowa.edu.Self and peer nominations are strongly encouraged! View upcoming training dates here.