Research indicates that relationship patterns are developed early in life – primarily between the ages of 6 and 10 – and remain consistent through development. Currently, most school programs that educate students about healthy relationships are not initiated until adolescence. Teacher surveys show that educators desire more resources and training in the area of Social and Emotional Learning, otherwise known as “SEL”. These programs have been shown to improve academic and behavioral outcomes for students who receive them. Project Brave’s aim is twofold: 1) provide access to SEL principles beginning in elementary school to San Antonio area practitioners, counselors, and educators and 2) increase community and parental awareness about the importance of healthy relationship skills. Through these two avenues, Project Brave aims to change the conversation around healthy relationships – initiating such conversations earlier and providing quality tools and resources to cultivate a community of respect, empathy, and compassion.
Our organization’s mission is to provide area schools with libraries of books which specifically promote and teach SEL principles and core values, along with conversation guides for students, teachers, and caregivers. We also provide guest speakers for families, teachers, and administrators in order to provide opportunities for education and conversation about issues related to healthy relationships.