The Fourth R

The Fourth R is a consortium dedicated to promoting healthy adolescent relationships and reducing risk behaviors. We develop and evaluate programs, resources, and training materials for educators and professionals working with youth. Our initiatives target various forms of violence, including bullying, dating violence, and peer violence. By creating healthy school environments, we empower students to make healthier decisions about relationships, substance use, and sexual behavior. Our strategies are unique in that we believe relationship knowledge and skills should be taught in the same way as academic subjects. We offer a classroom-based curriculum that meets educational standards and addresses violence, unsafe sexual behavior, and substance use. In addition to the classroom component, we involve the school and community in delivering positive messages to youth. We engage teachers, students, and parents through various methods, and we build bridges between community agencies and schools to increase resources and services for youth. The Fourth R aims to reduce violence and risk behaviors by providing information and positive relationship models to young people.