start strong
is an internationally
recognized youth-led
violence prevention program

that aims to prevent teen dating violence
and promote healthy relationships.

Collage of black and white images of human facial features with colorful speech bubbles containing scribbles and a heart.

we use a trauma-informed, positive youth development framework to start conversations on systems of oppression, intersectionality, and prevention/promotion work while incorporating a media literacy lens.

all of our work is youth-created, -driven, or -inspired, which means that youth are the heart of our program.

“i was very young when i first joined, and i didn’t see healthy relationships that i had myself or from my parents. finding a diverse space where people shared genuine opinions was really important to me.”

Group of young people and adults posing for a photo in a room with wooden walls, some making gestures and smiling.

“i have definitely been less confrontational. i’ve been more controlled with less outbursts or recognizing not to take things out on people who don’t deserve it.”

Group of seven young people standing together indoors, smiling, with a wall art in the background.

“now I just chill, and stay calm. once you start using what we’ve learned in everyday life, you can see the growth.”

Group of ten diverse young adults smiling and posing together in a room with a plain wall background, showing friendship and camaraderie.

“i use start strong in all my ways of life, if i’m dealing with somebody in relationship or if i’m helping somebody with their relationship.”

Four young men standing on a city sidewalk, each drinking from a cup with a straw, with buildings and street traffic in the background.

“i learned a lot in my 2 years of start strong that
I get to pass on to my friends and hold on to
it for myself for future
relationships or even regular interactions.”

Group of diverse young adults posing on a staircase outside a building.