Peer Youth Educators are a very important part of Identity, and they help the center to run smoothly by interacting with both the staff and the youth. They are always more than happy to be a friend to lean on or an open mind to hear your thoughts. If you are unsure of something or uncomfortable, the PYEs are always people you can trust to come to and be open and honest with.
A Little about the Peers:
NICK:
"Starting at Identity as a new peer was both exciting and intimidating. Now, two weeks later I am swing dancing with the group and feeling right at home. Being a peer has opened up parts of my personality that I had forgotten about. Using these newly uncovered traits, I have started to help others in need. I wish I had a place like this when I was in the confusing process of coming out."
ZACH:
"For me, the greatest thing that has happened was becoming a peer. I have discovered abilities that I never knew I had. I have been able to break from my shyness. At first I was worried about not being able to handle my job or be able to form my persona to fit my personality and the responcibilities of being a peer. After a month or so I have done a good job so far and the best job I can. This place has really helped me be who I am and to help me carry myself proudly instead of trying to hide who I am"
A Week in the Life of Identity!
WEDNESDAY:
noon-ish until 2:00 PM: Amy and Jeff do work in their respective offices, working hard on various projects. Since they are here throughout the day, don’t be afraid to call if you need anything! (If you see the AIM button on, that's a good sign Jeff is in the office!)
2:00 - 2:30 PM: Although Identity doesn’t technically open until 2:30, youth tend to drizzle in early because they love Identity, and feel the need to gather early.
2:30 - 6:00 PM: People arrive from all different places, with all different backgrounds, and all different beliefs. They then proceed to have the most fun they have ever had in their entire lives, because these youth are extremely accepting, and realize that they can all be friends, regardless of their personal ideas.
5:00 - 6:00ish PM: "Beyond the Rainbow Wall"—in this program, the youth explore different topics of interest and learn new things from exciting people. At this time, delicious cheesy pizza is consumed by everybody at the center. The youth have also created a game out of trying to learn personal details about their loyal pizza delivery boy.
7:00 - 8:00 PM: Fun crazy times continue until 8:00, art projects are created, snacks and drinks are enjoyed, and people laugh and share humorous stories and generally chill out. Video games are played, internet videos are watched, and music is listened to. This unstructured time is a good opportunity to get closer to everybody and cut loose even more! Peer Youth Educators and other Staff are also around at this time if anybody wants to talk or is having an issue, feel free!
8:00 PM: Everybody leaves Identity and cannot wait for Friday, as the center anxiously awaits everyone’s return!
FRIDAY:
until 4:00 PM: (see Wednesday, until 4:00 PM)
4:00 - 7:00 PM: The youth make the most prettiest, most amazing art ever seen by eyes, human or otherwise. It is wonderful, and everybody enjoys it.
7:00 - 10:00 PM: The youth once again indulge in the cheesy pleasures of pizza and watch the greatest movies ever made (or that Netflix sends us), all while having fun and relaxing.*
10:00 PM: The youth leave Identity and await Wednesday’s arrival once again!
*NOTE: On the first Friday of every month, Identity opens its doors to the public for Binghamton's First Friday celebrations, and people can feel free to drop in and see the amazing creations adorning the center’s walls, while also enjoying snacks and coffee and juice! The community is also welcome to join us in making art during this time!
