Frequently
Asked
Questions

The purpose of Philly 4 Life is to embrace the resilience of our youth and young adults and harness their power as frontline leaders to help stop community violence in Philadelphia. We will be providing teens across Philadelphia with protective-factor (resiliency) skills that will allow them to focus on living and thriving, rather than merely surviving community violence. Youth will learn ways to respond to conflict, stressors and trauma without resorting to violence. Young people who continue past the beta test and into the pilot-level training and associated activities, will eventually become part of a citywide community of young people who care deeply about preventing youth violence and are taking action in their neighborhoods, schools and even homes to stem the tide of violence that has affected so many families.

The physical risks to you being a part of this pilot are minimal; you will not be placed in any danger or harm. Emotions such as worry or anxiety may be triggered in some teens as they review potential stressors and symptoms and threats of community violence their peer group deals with. As a precaution, the campaign website includes information about a crisis text line. You are encouraged to stop the training process if you are feeling overwhelmed. In addition, if you feel in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911 and request the immediate assistance of emergency personnel. If you are under age 18, and are in a potentially harmful or dangerous situation, your parent/guardian will be notified.

First, the youth’s Adult Ally will be their partner during the pilot. Then, as part of the registration process, each teen will create a unique username and password to access the Philly 4 Life portal. Next, each teen will complete a short (and HIPAA-compliant/confidential) online survey about their life and experiences. After they complete the survey, he/she will have access to the four training lessons. During each online lesson, he/she will connect with their Adult Ally to talk more about what they’ve learned. Some Adult Allies will also introduce and link youth to a local high-quality, mental health service provider to make them aware of places where they can get additional wellness support. Each teen will receive a certificate for completing the Philly 4 Life pilot.

At the end of the Philly 4 Life journey, teens in Philadelphia will be able to:

• Define and describe the different kinds of stressors that youth face in their lives and that can lead to violence
• Cope positively with stress, anxiety, trauma or depression, both in a crisis and in everyday life, without resorting to violence
• Support peers, friends and classmates in making changes that promote mental wellness and address the stressors and traumas that put young people at risk for violence, as a victim or perpetrator
• Know when and how to escalate concerning or emergency situations to a parent/guardian, Adult Allies or our vetted local mental health providers, who are sensitive to young people’s needs and will treat them with the respect they deserve
• Increase awareness and reduce stigmas related to mental health issues facing Philadelphia youth and young adults

The physical risks to teens from being a part of the pilot are minimal; they will not be placed in any danger or harm. Emotions such as worry or anxiety may be triggered in some teens as they review potential stressors and symptoms and threats of community violence their peer group deals with. As a precaution, the campaign will prominently display information about a crisis text line and encourage youth to stop the training process if they are feeling overwhelmed. Youth who feel in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else will be directed to call 911 and request the immediate assistance of emergency personnel. Parents/Guardians of youth under 18 will be immediately notified if their teen indicates a potentially harmful or dangerous situation.

Participation in the Philly 4 Life pilot is entirely voluntary. Even after they begin the process, youth may decide not to participate with the project and/or quit the beta test or pilot at any time, without any problems from anyone, including their Adult Ally. If a teen decides not to participate, it will not affect their ability to access any mental wellness or behavioral health services.

The Philly 4 Life Campaign and its training for youth are sponsored by the PCCD and MEE Productions Inc. You can learn more about the overall campaign at our Website, www.meeproductions.com/philly4life/. If you have specific questions about the beta testing process, please email Philly4Life@meeproductions.com.

To download all consent forms and a copy of the FAQs, contact us.