About Project DOT
Project DOT is a youth development program that empowers young people as leaders in preventing sexual violence. DOT’s interactive curriculum addresses the unique challenges faced by young people from gender, racial, and ethnically marginalized communities across New York City. In partnership with community-based organizations, we educate and engage youth between the ages of 10-24 to challenge harmful narratives that enable sexual violence.
How We Work With Youth
DOT empowers youth by giving young people tools to become trusted messengers amongst their peers and leaders in their communities. The DOT curriculum is intended to positively change young people’s behaviors, which will influence their peers and prevent future violence from occurring. The 8-12 week curriculum focuses on the following topics:
- Thoughtful discussion around harmful social and cultural norms, gender stereotypes, and gender in youth culture
- Leadership skills and development
- Skills to cultivate healthy relationships and consent
- Skills to challenge cultural and community acceptance of sexual violence
- Tools to lead discussions with family, friends, and stakeholders in the community
- Tools to handle sexual violence in their community
- A bystander training program, which includes inviting friends and family to participate
- A community mobilization project at the end of each cohort: youth have produced radio shows, lead social media campaigns, facilitated community teach-ins for adult caregivers, and led focus groups with parents to foster opportunities for intergenerational dialogue on healthy relationship and dating practices.
Our Impact
In 2024 Project DOT served 115 youth, equipping them with leadership, advocacy, and sexual violence prevention skills. Here’s what participants and partner organizations have to say about the difference Project DOT makes:
“It is clear to me that Project DOT empowers a group of skillful, open-minded leaders who are able to continue the conversation necessary to promote healthy relationships and prevent sexual violence in our communities.”
– Erick DuShane, LMSW at Sanctuary for Families
“Working with Project DOT showcased to us the necessity of giving the youth in our community a voice to feel empowered. That’s why programs like Project DOT are very necessary in our community. The youth, both those in their teenage years and young adults, for the first time are engaged in learning about different opinions and voicing it in a safe space.”
– Naurin, Deputy Director at Sapna NYC
Get Involved
To learn more about Project DOT, contact Senior Prevention Coordinator, Ponny White. 
If you are a community-based organization interested in partnering with DOT, fill out an intake form here or download our Project DOT flyer here.
To stay updated on the work youth in Project DOT are working on, keep an eye on this page for registration links for these upcoming events:
- Train the Trainer Session: August 19th 10am –5pm *VIRTUAL*
- Train the Trainer Session: November 17th 10am – 5pm *IN PERSON*
