The highly successful “Promoting Youth Non-violence project” has a new name - R.A.P. - Respect All People Whakamana Tangata.

 The new brand was launched at the Involve 2008 Youth conference in Wellington recently.  The project has been running for more than two years now, funded by the Ministry of Health and implemented by Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga – The National Network of Stopping Violence Services. Project manager Garth Baker says the title change came about because we wanted a name that better reflected what we are all working towards R.A.P. - Respect All People Whakamana Tangata.  

 “Even though the name has changed, the project’s aim is still to reduce and replace violence in the environments youth workers provide to young people. By reducing the likelihood of violence and replacing it with more positive behaviour we can create a more respectful place for all, but most importantly for young people,” says Mr Baker.

R.A.P. - Respect All People Whakamana Tangata has developed a number of resources. The latest is a poster promoting RAP and the top 5 factors to reduce and replace violence.   Training is also available, and youth workers can meet with groups to present useful strategies to reduce and replace violence and promoting respect.  All resources are available online at the RAP website, www.respect.org.nz.   

There are three sites where health promoters are implementing R.A.P. - Respect All People Whakamana Tangata in different ways.

Otara: Ala ‘imalo Lua Maynard is training and supporting local youth workers.  He is also developing music and drama resources to promote non-violence.

Feilding:  Andrew Dever-Tod and Lisa Foggin are working with local youth services and District Council to introduce non-violent policies and practices across the community. This includes using forums and photography to gather the views of young people.

Tasman: Lenny Chick is training and supporting local youth workers to implement non-violent practices in the diverse environments they provide to young people. This includes having prominent local people promoting the project’s aims.

For more information contact the project manager, Garth Baker, garth.baker@nnsvs.govt.nz DDI 04 802 6401 or 027 694 1051