FAQs

What is Relationship Literacy?

Relationship Literacy for Schools is an education initiative designed to help students identify and develop healthy practices in order to prevent abuse and violence in relationships whether they be with peers, family, or authority figures.  It informs participants of diverse, often overlooked patterns of relationships that often lead to unhealthy interactions.  The program explores the influence relationships have on all areas of personal and social development, abuse and violence prevention, and individual rights and responsibilities. The program teaches valuable self-management skills, both emotional and behavioral, concepts, and principles necessary to affect healthier relationships.

The Relationship Literacy Program is concentrated on these areas:

1.  Relationships and Self-Identity (personal and social)
Healthy relationships signify something more than intimate emotional and physical connection. They are sources of light and correction, teaching and learning, bonding and becoming who we are. We discover other people and ourselves through participation in them. In this section, participants explore many aspects that help to form individual identity and social connection. They identify differences and similarities, expectations and roles in the making and sustaining of healthy relationships.

2.  Prevention of Relationship Abuse and Violence
Relationship abuse and violence are wide spread in many cultures throughout the world. Participants are made aware of specific types perpetrated by men and women, boys and girls in dating and intimate partnerships, and acquaintance, family, school and work relationships. Participants consider the impact of abuse and violence on victims, as well as legal, personal, and social implications.

3.  Self-Management
We are foremost in charge of our thinking, feeling, and behaving in relationship with others. Self-Management involves learning effective tools and practicing important skills to manage self emotionally and behaviorally. Participants practice ways to monitor, express and vent feelings, critique and re-direct thoughts, manage time, talent and other personal behavior respectful of themselves and the differences of others.

The Relationship Literacy Program Accomplishes the Following Objectives: 

• Discusses the importance of personal growth with the supportive involvement of others.
• Identifies and helps define roles and ways to interact responsibly with others.
• Defines and Discusses different Types of Relationship Abuse and Violence.
  Reviews Personal, Social and Legal implications of Relationship Abuse and Violence.
• Identifies the Effects of Abuse and Violence on Victims.
• Teaches Skills and Tools to Self-Manage Emotionally and Behaviorally.
• Practices Affection, Anger, and Stress Management Techniques.
• Encourages Greater Personal Responsibility to address Relationship Abuse and Violence.
• Teaches Nonviolent, Healthier ways to resolve conflict and vent feelings like Affection, Anger and Stress.
  Encourages Personal Responsibility for Relationship Outcomes.
• Identifies Principles and Practices necessary to Effect Healthier Relationships.

How did Relationship Literacy come to be?

The Relationship Literacy Program has developed over a period of ten years from mediating conflicts in inner-city communities and creating and facilitating anger management, violence prevention, and healthy relationship psycho-educational programs in schools, treatment facilities, and correctional institutions. In all of these different settings, participants found the Relationship Literacy Program comprehensive in scope, consistent with real life, culturally sensitive, and applicable to all types of relationships, whether family, peer, work, or some other.  Developer Brian C. Alston recognized that in preventing and treating interpersonal abuse and violence, requires a comprehensive, socio-culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate approach. The Relationship Literacy Program takes such an approach to impact knowledge, attitude and motivation in interpersonal relationships.

What Does the Relationship Literacy Program Consist of?

The Relationships Literacy curriculum exists in both paper and online version for either guided or exclusively online instruction.  It’s concepts of important self-management skills and abuse and violence preventions skills are brought to life through short novellas exploring the relationships of our colorful character, Wealthy Williams.  The curriculum engages participants with easy-to-use lessons and stand-alone educational activities that are age appropriate and complement other academic areas such as reading, language arts, and culture.

 

Some background on our leading man:
Wealthy Williams is a 19 year-old Whiz Kid entrepreneur--smoother than music producer Sean “Puffy” Combs, smarter than scientist Albert Einstein, and wealthier than Microsoft's Bill Gates.  With smart business savvy, he’s been earning big dollars since the age of five.  The sports team provides Wealthy Williams with the exciting challenging of running another business partnership and overseeing some of the day-to-day activities involved in creating a successful sports franchise.  The Caribbean island gives Wealthy Williams quiet places to reflect and relax, and an opportunity to entertain family, friends, and business associates in lavish style.  Wealthy Williams instantly begins dreaming up creative celebrations, special meetings, and adventurous retreats on his island.

We meet Wealthy just as he has purchased a basketball team from some NBA stars looking to retire from the game.  Although Wealthy has some very important lessons to learn in how to manage his new responsibility, we are surprised at how such a youngster maneuvers his already demanding full life.  He hosts weekly parties at his palatial estate called The Compass for its mansions on the North, South, East and West of his property, big enough for its own Atlanta suburb zip code, 52689.

Who is the Relationship Literacy Program For?

This curriculum is designed for the middle school child, grades 6-8.

Where is it currently in operation?

The Relationship Literacy program has been used over a span of ten years in various program and school settings by developer, Brian C. Alston.  Currently, this program is making its debut for widespread use as an online learning tool for middle school students.

Are there progressive options for students using the program once he or she has completed the curriculum?

We are currently working to develop Relationship Literacy to serve high school students, businesses, and individuals through online and print delivery.  The best way to keep abreast of developments in our program is to sign up for our newsletter.

How can I get Relationship Literacy in my school, organization, or program?  For my child or self?

Your school/program administrator can decide if they would like to continue Relationship Literacy and purchase it as a year-round curriculum.     

Are there volunteer opportunities? Employment?

We are currently looking for volunteer evaluator panels to help us in developing a more effective program as we roll out Relationship Literacy into schools.  This would involve volunteers in periodic review and assessment of our curriculum materials.  Also, we are recruiting commissioned-based Sales Representatives at the local, regional, and national levels.  Successful candidates to this position would be willing to carry out marketing and sales of Relationship Literacy.  If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please contact us at info@relationshipliteracy.info.