Current Peer Educators: Click Here!

Who are the Well-Woman Peer Educators? The peer educators are Barnard Students who volunteer to provide information to the Barnard and Columbia communities about a range of health and wellness issues. The peer education program began at Barnard in 1986. Well-Woman was established in 1994 to bring together all of the small, topical peer educator groups to form one comprehensive group.

How are the Peer Educators trained?

The Well-Woman Peer Educators are a part of the Health Promotion Program at Barnard Health Services. They are advised by Karen Winkler, the Director of Well-Woman Health Promotion Program. New and returning peer educators receive forty hours of training each August. They also receive follow up training in January and in weekly meetings throughout the academic year.

What do the Peer Educators do? The peer educators present programs in the residence halls and sponsor campus-wide events that focus on women's health and wellness. They also hold gynecological information sessions every Tuesday night in Health Services, and will meet students individually by appointment.

So what do they talk about? The peer educators talk about all of the health issues that are important to women. They address self-esteem, HIV/AIDS, contraception, nutrition, sexuality, body image, stress management, depression, contraceptive options, self-care, communication, sexual health, mindfulness, healthful eating, and eating disorders. They will also address other wellness issues in floor presentations by request.

How can I join Well-Woman? Applications will next be available in Spring 2009.  Call 854-3063 for more details. Interviews are held and final selections are made before the end of the spring semester. A required forty hours of training are held each August, with a follow-up training in January.

Where can I find Well-Woman Peer Educators?