shOUT Listening Project

Amplifying youth voices in the Appalachian Highlands.

Appalachian shOUT, which stands for Appalachian Sexual Health Outreach, is a collective impact initiative that engages community systems to support youth wellbeing and sexual health. Members of the coalition represent non-profit, health, and other community-based organizations throughout the Appalachian Highlands region, which encompasses Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Anchored by JMU’s Appalachian Replication Project, Ballad Health, YWCA of NETN/SWVA, and the Mount Rogers Health District, shOUT envisions a future where young people in Appalachia are heard, respected, and have all the information and support they need to lead whole, healthy lives. Listening circles are the first step in this work.

Listening Circles

Listening circles have a long history in justice work and community building. They give participants a chance to share their lived experience without contradiction or judgment. They support honesty and nurture compassion in an atmosphere of safety and equity. In our case, we hope they help normalize tough conversations around sexual health, and inform stakeholders of youth’s needs and perspectives on the issue. Gathering youth input and listening deeply to youth perspectives on sexual health will help shOUT better understand the needs of Appalachian youth and how we can all empower them with information and support to make informed decisions about their health. 

Listening circles may take place in community or organizational settings and will bring together middle and high-school-aged youth. Conducted by trained shOUT Coalition members, youth can expect open-ended questions about the challenges, barriers, and messages they experience around sexual and overall health. All facilitators conducting listening sessions receive training on deep listening practices, gathering data, and responding empathetically to young people’s stories and experiences. 

Get Involved and Stay Connected 

Are you a youth in Northeast Tennessee or Southwest Virginia interested in sharing your perspective on youth sexual health issues? Got an opinion on sex ed? Interested in being part of the project or facilitating a listening circle in your community, organization, or school? We want to hear from you!

Contact Josh Diamond, diamonjn@jmu.edu for more information on how to get involved, host, or participate in a listening circle. 

Listening Circle Participant Forms

Guardians of youth under 18 who participate in listening circles need to sign a consent form in order for their child to participate. Participants under 18 will also sign an assent form. 

• Online Consent Form

• Printer-friendly Consent

• Online Assent Form

• Printer-friendly Assent