AIT Empowers Wellness Peers at VCOE Conference

On February 6th and 7th, All It Takes (AIT) had the privilege of leading experiential leadership workshops at the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) Wellness Peer Training—a two-day youth conference designed to empower students serving as Wellness Peers in their schools. These student leaders play a crucial role in fostering mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and building meaningful peer connections within their school communities.

Over two days, we facilitated eight 40-minute sessions, first with middle schoolers, then with high schoolers.

AIT joined four other esteemed local organizations for the VCOE Wellness Peer Winter Training, offering youth opportunities to workshop around advocacy and peer leadership, farm to table practices, and managing emotions.

AIT's goal was to equip Wellness Peers with practical, real-world tools they can immediately apply to support their peers and create a more connected, inclusive school environment. Through dynamic, hands-on activities, students cultivated confidence and leadership while reinforcing the power of trust, communication, and intentional influence.

Across all eight workshops, we explored how influence extends beyond words and actions—it’s in every reaction, choice, and even in silence.

By learning to NOTICE their impact, students gained the ability to CHOOSE how they show up and ACT in ways that foster genuine connection and positive change. Through interactive challenges, students stepped outside their comfort zones, built trust within their teams, and strengthened their ability to lead with confidence and purpose.

A Moment to Remember

At the conclusion of the conference, students gathered for a final reflection session, where they were asked to share their biggest takeaways. Out of the four students who spoke, three specifically highlighted their experience in the AIT session.

Then, as the last student reflected, they shared: "I learned that it’s OK to make mistakes."

Immediately, another student in the crowd responded: "My bad."

Without hesitation, over 150 students in the room shouted back in unison: "ALL GOOD!"

It was an unforgettable moment—a testament to the trust, connection, and confidence these students had built throughout the training. This simple yet powerful exchange encapsulated exactly what AIT strives to cultivate: a culture of support, resilience, and empowerment.

AIT extends a huge thank you to VCOE for inviting us to be part of this impactful event. We look forward to continuing to support student leaders in fostering safe, trusted spaces in their schools and communities!

"AIT Empowers Wellness Peers at VCOE Conference"