Ira has one of the longest track records in
Peer Helping of almost anyone in the field today. His experience
alone is worth attending anything in which he is involved, especially,
his workshops.
Ira knows schools and school bureaucracy, and he knows youth of
every variety. This knowledge makes him an extremely valuable and
trusted consultant.Ira's strong leadership and keen sense of organization
inspired the establishment of the National Peer Helpers Association,
the strengthening and stability of the California Peer Programs
Association, and many other programs throughout the country.
Barbara Varenhorst
Past President of the National Peer Helpers Association
For over 30 years I have watched the programs,
workshops and conferences Ira Sachnoff has set up touch the lives
of thousands of youth in the state of CA. He has impacted beyond
all measure the history of California youth culture and has helped
empower hundreds of adults to start positive youth development programs,
and these programs work! When it comes to youth to youth programs,
Ira is one of the most powerful and positive trainers out there.
Michael Pritchard
Keynote Speak/ Author
I have known Ira Sachnoff since the late 1980’s,
when we both served on the Board of the National Peer Helpers Association.
I have immense admiration and respect for Ira, and I know of no
one in the peer program/youth empowerment field who has a higher
level of dedication, commitment, and belief in the capacity of young
people to make a positive difference. Both in California and nationally,
he has been a tireless and effective leader and advocate for the
youth-as-resource concept, and I heartily recommend him to all current
or prospective adherents of that concept.
H. Grant Thomas, Jr.
Founder, PAL (Peer Assistance and Leadership) Program
Founder/Senior Adviser, Peer Assistance Network of America
Ira is one of the first people who comes to
mind when I talk about
Peer Helping. For as long as I have known him, he has been a steadfast
advocate of Peer Helping and a leader in the field. We in the Peer
Helping field owe him a tremendous amount.
Donna Brinton
Peer Helping Advocate and Trainer
Our District has worked with Ira Sachnoff for
nearly 10 years in the development of our Peer Helping Programs.
Through Ira’s guidance and support, we have trained hundreds
of middle and high school students in tobacco & drug prevention.
In addition, we have trained staff at each school site to ensure
continuity of the program. Ira’s belief in and respect for
all youth underscores each and every training. Students and staff
are energized and high motivated at the conclusion of Ira’s
training. This energy is carried out throughout the school year.
I highly recommend Ira Sachnoff and Peer Resources!
Joan Stone
Tracy UHSD
Ira Sachnoff was a peer educator as a high
school student and went on to become a highly respected national
trainer, innovator, motivator, mentor,
cheerleader and champion for student voice. I've had the pleasure
of watching his approach and level of expertise evolve over the
past twenty years to the point where he now is literally "the
source for information on peer resource program development, training
and evaluation". As my students are fond of saying: "Ira
is the MAN!" Ira's talents extend far beyond training. He understands
how to build coalitions which involve and empower all attendees.
No one "sits around" at when Ira is at the helm; they
are heard, valued and empowered to go back to their communities
and "become part of the solution" Viva Ira!
Fred Dillemuth
"I CARE" program founder
Your approach to Peer Helping is one of enthusiasm
and optimism based on a lifetime of experience and honed skill at
creating successful peer programs. To attend one of your workshops
is akin to participating in the creation of interactive art. Each
time I attend one of your workshops or presentations, I see new
ways to help our youth to help themselves. Thank you for the vision.
Karen Shores
Coordinator of Categorical Programs and Testing
Roseville Joint Union High School District
It is a rare treat to attend a training given
by the founder of a program...normally these people are off somewhere
writing books or doing Video productions. Not Ira Sachnoff; he's
in the trenches with the people and programs he loves. It may be
educating teachers on empowering students to influence peers about
making healthy choices around tobacco or looking within the peer
group for conflict mediation talents or support for making their
school a safer, more nurturing environment.
Fred Dillemuth
"I CARE" program founder
The San Joaquin County Office of Education
began providing Peer Helping Training for programs back in the early
1990’s. At that time, we had a combined training which included
both Junior High with High School Students. Thanks to Ira’s
visionary training and leadership we now provide two separate workshops
for our Junior High and High School students. Our peer helping programs
are countywide and many of our schools use cross age peer helping
trainings which Ira has strongly advocated for. He has set the standard
in providing exemplary examples of training of trainers, student
peer helping and problem solving in working through school systems
issues.
Sheri Coburn, Ed.D.(c), R.N., M.S.N.
Director, Comprehensive Health Programs
San Joaquin County Office of Education
I have been involved with our school's Peer
Helper Program for many years, but had never received formal training.
This two-day training was fun, practical, resourceful, and extremely
encouraging. It was exactly what I was looking for and needed. Ira
Sachnoff brings experienced knowledge and individual attention to
the Peer Helping Process and knows what it takes to run a successful
program.
Tony Handrich, Counselor
LaCreole Middle School
Dallas, Oregon
The workshop was practical, interactive and
dynamic. We reaped the rewards of Ira's expertise, and had multiple
opportunities to share insights, vision and hopes for our programs
--- i.e., most especially --- for our students!
Ben Owens
Chairperson, Dept. of Religious Studies
Bishop O'Dowd H.S., Oakland, CA
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop I attended
in San Francisco. There are not very many conferences or workshops
that one can attend where the participants are actively engaged
in the process. For example, instead of learning about energizers
and icebreakers, how to write a purpose statement for our program,
or how to develop lessons for our program, we actually did these
things. Ira is energetic, realistic, and extremely knowledgeable
and helpful. I plan on attending further conferences/workshops in
the future.
Patty Healy
Counselor/ Teacher
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