WHY BTV?
The need in K-12 schools today
Children are born into this world without bias, and like dry sponges, they absorb the attitudes and beliefs of those around them. Unfortunately, this means they may unknowingly bring discriminatory behavior into the classroom, leading to conflict and division – issues that become harder to change as they grow older.
This is where Be THE Voice steps in.
Our innovative, peer-led approach fosters a sense of belonging, encourages empathy, and promotes respectful interactions among classmates. This creates a happier, more positive school environment where students are eager to learn and where teachers can focus on teaching instead of managing student misbehavior.
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OUR APPROACH
Students leading students
Our program is built around weekly videos tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students.
The weekly video series features young people close in age to the viewer sharing real experiences – tackling topics like bullying, exclusion, stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and stereotypes. But it’s not just talk – they also offer practical advice on how to navigate these challenges with confidence and compassion.
To reinforce the messages from the videos, we offer age-appropriate activities that inspire students to collaborate and work toward achieving monthly Be THE Voice goals.
This blend of visual and interactive content helps students form new friendships, develop interpersonal skills, and foster a culture of kindness in their schools and communities.
Be THE Voice is completely managed by school clubs, student councils, or designated peer panels.
WHY NOW?
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has described youth mental health as the “crisis of our time,” highlighting an urgent need for innovative and effective solutions to support student wellbeing.
While schools are taking steps to address this issue by hiring more counselors and introducing mental health curricula, one powerful resource is often overlooked: peer networks.
Research shows that these networks can play a pivotal role in helping young people develop essential social skills setting the stage for lifelong success.
RECOGNITION
.ORG Impact Awards
Be THE Voice was honored as one of the top 35 at the prestigious .ORG Impact Awards, hosted by the Public Interest Registry, the steward of over 11 million .org domains. This accolade highlights the significant impact our initiative has had on countless lives. We were thrilled to be recognized at the awards ceremony in Washington D.C., hosted by actor and producer Alan Cumming. Read more in the Hollywood Reporter here.
UGA x BTV
How 'bout them Dawgs?
For more than a decade, BTV has delivered a structured weekly video series across Georgia K-12 schools, featuring near-peer narrators who share authentic stories and actionable guidance on stress, anxiety, exclusion, peer pressure, and leadership – ending with a repeatable call to action.
We are proud to have included inspirational messaging by University of Georgia (UGA) student-athletes for years (including UGA Football and UGA Gymnastics). Go Dawgs – and Be THE Voice!
BE THE VOICE is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization recognized under the internal revenue code TIN 81-4098015
