Foundations of Streetwork

Training Name

Foundations of Streetwork

Training Description

The Foundations of Streetwork Training provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to the principles, practices, and impact of street outreach as a core strategy of community violence intervention. Participants will explore the history and evolution of streetwork and gain a deeper understanding of the role streetworkers play in preventing violence and supporting young people most impacted by it. The training introduces the fundamentals of streetwork and highlights best practices from UTEC's Streetwork Model, including the importance of trust, strong relationships, clear boundaries, and long-term commitment. Participants will learn how to meet young people where they are, cultivate meaningful connections, and identify appropriate supports and resources. The training also covers community partner engagement, peacemaking and conflict mediation, self-care strategies for frontline workers, and strategic planning for CVI initiatives.

Training Type

In-person Workshop Series

Training Topic

Foundational understanding for new streetworkers

Training Learning Objectives

• Strengthen streetwork and youth engagement skills – Participants will engage in at least 2 skill-building sessions and identify 3 practical techniques for strengthening connections with young people.
• Understand and practice 'planting seeds of peace' – Participants will describe at least 2 approaches to promoting peace and demonstrate 1 technique through discussion, reflection, or role-play.
• Promote self-care and care for others in streetwork – Participants will engage in at least 1 wellness or reflection activity and identify 2 self-care strategies and 2 peer-support practices relevant to streetwork.
• Engage in strategic planning for CVI – Participants will contribute to at least 1 strategic planning session and outline 2–3 priority actions to support community violence intervention (CVI) efforts.

Training Syllabus / Curriculum

• Introduction to Training
• History, Evolution, and Impact of Streetwork — Define CVI, explain the fundamentals and foundation of streetwork, and summarize the impact of streetwork
• UTEC's Streetwork Model — Trust, relationships, boundaries, commitment, and the Streetworker Pyramid Model
• Applying UTEC's Streetwork Model — Meeting youth where they are, cultivating connections, building trusting relationships
• Engaging Community Partners — Strategies for building trust with community organizations and cultivating cross-sector networks
• Planting Seeds of Peace — Peacemaking processes, conflict mediation, and the importance of 'one less enemy'
• Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others — Self-care strategies, the role of intersectionality, and managing chronic stress
• Strategic Planning for CVI in Your Community — Needs assessments, resource mapping, and best practices for hiring and supporting streetworkers

Instructor Information

Leslie Rivera

UTEC

Leslie Rivera is a dedicated community advocate, youth worker, and mentor from Lowell, Massachusetts, with 31 years of experience in youth development — 18 of those years spent at UTEC. As Senior Director of Training and Capacity Building at UTEC's Training Center for Excellence, she has championed the importance of culture, advocating for the recognition and appreciation of direct service staff. A trained Peacemaking Circle Keeper and culture keeper, Leslie brings deep expertise in gang mediation, peace treaties, street outreach, and community healing. Her leadership at UTEC has included managing the Streetworker and Transitional Coaching teams, serving on the Theory of Change committee, and chairing the DEI Advisory Committee. Leslie is not only committed to professional excellence but also to transformative leadership. For her, leadership is about leading by example—rooted in equity and fostering an environment where everyone collaborates and supports one another. Beyond her professional achievements, Leslie is also a mother, grandmother, and a mentor who celebrates culture while uplifting those who work on the front lines of community service.