Becoming an "Askable Adult"

In January 2020 T​TMP collaborated with the Sexual Assault Crisis team of Washington County to discuss what it means to be an "askable adult." Below are some resources to help us on our journey to become more "askable" with youth. You can click here to see the notes from the evening, and explore the resources below that were discussed. 
Click here to read
​the executive summary from the 2018 Survey
Click here for ideas on how to become an askable adult

Recommendations from the survey: Be an askable/supportive adult

  • Ask young people what makes an askable/supportive adult and become one.
  • Listen and be available.
  • Ask youth about their concerns and offer support.
  • Find and share information and resources with youth about their concerns including: drug and alcohol use, sexism, and gender identity and sexual orientation related concerns.

Notes & Resources from the Group Discussion

An Askable Adult …. (adult responses)
  • Has no judgement
  • Keeps Confidentiality
  • Has knowledge
  • Is approachable & comfortable
  • Is trustworthy
  • Creates a sense of safety
  • Builds relationships
  • Has patience to listen
  • And the ability to listen with response
  • Is empathetic
  • Asks questions
  • Doesn’t freak out
  • Reflects back what they are hearing
  • Engages by showing curiosity and interest
  • Shows respect
  • Engages in open dialog versus lecture
Creating a Sense of Safety…
  • Non violent communication
  • “Let’s talk about it”
  • Take a deep breach
  • “Tell me more”
  • “Give my a minute to think about it”
  • Honesty
  • Talk straight about it
  • Being real
  • “I’m not sure, what do you think?”
  • Find out what the question really is
  • Offer resources
  • Consent practice
  • Being calm
An Askable Adult…. (youth responses From another date)
  • Respects privacy
  • Has experience
  • Doesn’t judge
  • Is considerate—knows stuff
  • Is not gonna bust you
  • Is not a snitch
  • Uses eye contact
  • Is relaxed
  • Listens
  • Doesn’t press when you don’t want to talk about it
  • Is able to give advice and not judge
  • Respects Confidentiality
Next steps/Take aways
  • Self education—take initiative
  • Seek out resources
  • Role playing non violet communication
  • More space to seek advice with other mentors
  • Reading group
  • Youth—create an ad for behavior they want to see
  • Parents getting access to what’s being presented to students
 
 
 
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