Get Involved

Youth and Young Adult Volunteer Advocacy Groups

Our youth and young adult volunteer advocacy groups empower the next generation to take an active role in preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors. Through education, outreach, and community engagement, participants gain valuable skills while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Advocacy Group

Champion Men’s Zone Program for Ages 13-24

Champion Men’s Zone is a school-based group for young men that creates a safe space to talk about masculinity, relationships, mental health, and leadership.

The group meets weekly on campus (currently at San Rafael High and Novato High) and brings together students who want to grow as leaders, support their peers, and be part of a positive community. CMZ focuses on real conversations about life, identity, emotions, peer pressure, and what it means to be a young man today.

In Champion Men’s Zone, students:

  • Build confidence and leadership skills
  • Learn how to form healthy relationships
  • Talk openly about masculinity and identity
  • Develop emotional awareness and communication
  • Support each other and build brotherhood
  • Take part in creative projects and school campaigns

This is not a class or a lecture — it’s a real space for growth, connection, and leadership.

Program details:

  • Location: San Rafael High School and Novato High School
  • Schedule: Weekly 1-hour meetings
  • Open to: Male-identifying students
Contact:
Jonathan “Jon” Deras
(415) 526-2558
jderas@c4dp.org
 
A group of teenage boys stand together in a classroom after participating in Champion Men’s Zone, a Center for Domestic Peace program that teaches healthy masculinity and helps prevent dating and domestic violence in Marin County.
About the Program

Be part of something greater than yourself by acting as a Community Champion in Marin County. This is a nation-wide movement to improve the way boys and young men are involved with community activism and gender equality.

College Internship Program

Our College Internship Program offers students a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of domestic violence prevention and support services. Interns will work alongside professionals in a supportive environment, contributing to meaningful projects that make a difference in the lives of survivors.

Key Highlights:

  • Real-World Experience: Work with community leaders to help raise awareness about domestic violence and its impact on communities.
  • Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from experienced staff and professionals in the field.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with community leaders and organizations dedicated to ending domestic violence.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Accommodate academic commitments while fulfilling internship requirements.
  • Impactful Contribution: Play a vital role in initiatives that support survivors and promote community awareness.
  • Future Success:  Interns are invited to attend trainings that will help them to gain real world experience for their future success.
Three students pose with handwritten messages about healthy relationships at a Purple Shoes Project event raising awareness about dating and domestic violence.
Advocacy Group

Marin Youth Against Abuse (MAYA)

Join the MAYA team to help raise awareness about healthy relationships and dating abuse. As an advocate, you’ll collaborate with youth across Marin County to design creative campaigns, support your peers, and lead meaningful change.

What You’ll Do:

  • Get trained on healthy relationships and dating abuse to support peers
  • Plan creative events and activities to educate others and increase access to support services at your school
  • Attend weekly Zoom meetings and contribute to ongoing projects

Program Perks:

  • Free food and drinks at in-person events
  • Community service hours
  • Resume-building experience with a letter of recommendation
  • Optional free 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate Training

Contact:  Sagrario Cordova-Ramirez at  sramirez@c4dp.org

Why These Advocates Love Being MAYA Members

SAMPLE PROJECTS

Check Out What Our MAYA Team Has Been Working On

MAYA youth advocates are leading the charge to break the cycle of abuse through education and awareness. They’ve created handbooks and Red Flag Rising—a powerful podcast that unpacks dating abuse, toxic masculinity, and emotional healing. By sharing real stories and expert insights, MAYA is helping peers recognize red flags early, challenge harmful norms, and create safer, more respectful relationships.

MAYA’s Dating Handbook | Vol 1: Dating Apps for College Students

This guide explores the unique landscape of online and app-based dating for college-aged students, including the risks of meeting people through apps and what healthy, empowered choices look like in the digital age.

MAYA’s Dating Handbook | Vol 2: Dating in Your Teens

Designed for teens in middle and high school, this guide addresses how dating abuse impacts adolescents, including patterns of controlling behavior, media influences, peer pressure, and how early relationships can impact one’s self-worth and future choices.

MAYA’s Dating Handbook | Vol 3: Dating for Your Teen

Made by youth for the parents of youth, this guide offers adults tips on how to talk to teens about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

MAYA’s Dating Handbook | Vol 4: Early Warning Signs

This guide discusses warning signs of and red flags of unhealthy relationships and offers resources for youth who may be experiencing these signs.

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