KNOW MORE Training 2016

Marjaree Mason Center’s KNOW MORE program held its annual training on September 24th and 25th at Fresno High School. This beautiful Fresno High building is normally quiet on a weekend, but not this weekend!  The halls were filled with laughter and conversation as we brought students together from all over Fresno County.   Over 120 students were in attendance, coming from twelve high schools within four different districts.

Throughout the training weekend, students rotated through various workshops including Domestic Violence 101, Stalking and Technology, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence Effects on Children, and many more. Several workshops were led by special guest presenters from Fresno and Clovis Police Departments, and others were led by passionate, knowledgeable staff and volunteers from the Marjaree Mason Center.

Students were thrilled to be given the unique opportunity to hear Dakota Draconi give her “Child Abuse in America” presentation where she talked about her own experience being a survivor of domestic violence, human trafficking, and child abuse.

Another highlight of the weekend was when Carmen from B95 made an appearance to show support and encouragement to the students. Carmen has been a huge supporter of the KNOW MORE program and has been involved in many KNOW MORE events. The students loved meeting her and the Marjaree Mason Center is grateful for her support!

All in all, the weekend was a huge success.  Students left Fresno High on Sunday evening armed with new knowledge and passion for the cause that they will take back to their school sites and into their communities.  These dedicated students will conduct presentations for their peers educating them on the perils of youth dating abuse, and showing them what a healthy relationship should really look like.  Peer to peer education has proven to be a successful way of getting these messages across.

Huge thanks to all of the speakers, students, and supporters for helping make this training so amazing and for making the program a possibility in our community! 

- Yameen Mahmood, Youth Education Coordinator