Results from Teens Acting Against Violence (TAAV) evaluation presented in Bethel

Results from the Teens Acting Against Violence (TAAV) program evaluation conducted by the UAA Justice Center in partnership with the Tundra Women's Coalition (TWC) were presented in Bethel on Friday, October 23.

Khristy Parker, Research Professional with the Justice Center, was a co-author of the evaluation and presented key findings in Bethel at the Tundra Women's Coalition office. Dr. André Rosay, Director of the UAA Justice Center; Eileen Arnold, Executive Director of TWC; and Michelle DeWitt, former TWC Executive Director, were also co-authors.

Khristy Parker (l) presents key findings
in Bethel.

Michelle DeWitt spoke about the origins of the TAAV program and the importance of funding a program evaluation, both of which occurred during her tenure as executive director. Eileen Arnold spoke about the organic evolution of TAAV and the shift in the teen population that TAAV serves.

Teens Acting Against Violence (TAAV) is a student-led anti-violence education group that was formed in 1996 by the Tundra Women’s Coalition in Bethel.

The evaluation was two-pronged, focusing on the program effectiveness itself, and the short- and long-term benefits experienced by TAAV alumni over 18 years of age. Participants responded to questions on an online survey.  Overall the results of the evaluation were positive. Click here for the executive summary and key findings.

An event to celebrate the results of the study, as well as TAAV alumni, was held in Bethel on Saturday, October 24, at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center and featured testimonials from TAAV alumni.