"Transmitting information does not, by itself, make for healthy choices. We need, then, to apply the unique force that is peer education ... to make behavior change more likely in the lives of students and campus communities."
~Dr. Richard Keeling, American College Health Association

SAFE peer educators offer peer-to-peer education to the campus community on health and safety issues. Studies show that people are more likely to hear and personalize messages that may change attitudes and behaviors if they believe the messenger is similar to them in lifestyle and faces the same concerns and pressures. In student groups, researchers found that they relied on their peers as their most important sources of information about many topics.

The program was started by the Office of Campus Life in 1997, as part of the club, Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA). The group became SAFE in 1998 when members chose to offer responsible alcohol education in addition to teaching about sexual assault prevention. In 2000, the first "Peer Education and Leadership" class was offered to students interested in making a positive difference here at SSU, while learning leadership and facilitation skills and earning academic credit.

Today, there are more than 20 SAFE volunteer presenters who have taken the three-day facilitation training learn:

• Public Speaking and Teaching Skills
• Experience as Workshop Facilitators
• A thorough knowledge about Sexual Assault Prevention, Responsible Alcohol Use or Safer Sex and HIV/AIDS
• Skills and Experience as Campus Leaders and Team Members

SAFE is part of the The BACCHUS Network