Our work is focused on reducing the high rates of suicide, bullying, and discrimination among youth impacted by gender and orientation stigma. Consider these statistics: A 2018 study of South Florida middle and high school students found that roughly: 72% hear anti-gay or gender-related slurs on a weekly or more frequent basis. 27% report witnessing anti-gay physical harassment or bullying on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. A study on school shootings from 1995–2015 found that almost all shooters were boys who had been subjected to “emasculating bullying.” This means they experienced anti-gay bullying and peer marginalization for not fitting rigid expectations around masculinity (e.g. not having a girlfriend, appearing “weak”). 22% suicide attempt rate among Miami-Dade youth who describe their orientation as gay or lesbian; 18% among questioning youth, whereas heterosexual youth have a 6% attempt rate. 31% of transgender and non-binary youth attempt suicide, and suicide risk is increased by 13 times when parents reject their child. To overcome these challenges, YES Institute education programs provides two core services: 
1) Education Dialogues in schools and the community that address causes and solutions for bullying behaviors related to gender and orientation, and 2) in-depth training courses that are open to the public and explore bullying prevention, communication solutions, gender, and orientation topics. Respectful of all religions, viewpoints, and political beliefs, these timely and important dialogues create civil discourse and promote inclusion.

COMMUNICATION – Honoring and welcoming all people; listening to others for the difference they want to make, and speaking to the difference that they can make in the world to keep youth safe.

CONTRIBUTION – A commitment to make a positive impact.

EXCELLENCE – A commitment to continually inquire and search to expand knowledge and expertise on gender, orientation, communication, and community-based solutions.

LEADERSHIP – Sharing our knowledge and experience of what works to create more leadership in the world.

PERFORMANCE – A commitment to produce win/win results everywhere we go, so all people—no matter their personal viewpoints—are included in fulfilling a common purpose.

Youth who are not supported at home, school, and in their communities are at increased risk for self-harm, depression, and suicide. YES Institute addresses the root causes of discrimination, bullying, and suicide by initiating authentic, purposeful dialogue and providing education on gender and orientation. We deliver our education where it is needed most to thousands across a wide range of parents and professionals including community groups and organizations in Education, Healthcare, Government, Workplaces, Faith Communities, as well as Internationally. Providing professionals responsible for youth an educational model that can include all points of view allows them to work with others to begin making a community safe for all young people. People begin to take action even when they are afraid or disagree, and find authentic and powerful ways to contribute to the well-being of all youth.

YES Institute uses a powerful model of communication to engage participants in authentic and open discussions that include all viewpoints and beliefs. These dialogues give people the opportunity to publicly speak their fears, concerns and questions, often for the first time. Once misinformation and fears have been addressed, people begin to generate solutions and take actions to ensure the healthy development of all youth. To measure our effectiveness, participants complete pre- and post-surveys that capture demographic information, evaluate shift in attitudes, and knowledge gained. We use these evaluation instruments in all our programs, and compile and analyze data in SPSS, the leading social science statistical analysis program.

YES Institute is successful because we don't ask people to change their beliefs. We do ask participants to learn new things related to their beliefs, examine behaviors that create negative consequences, and allow them to freely choose how to respond. We are inspired to fulfill the growing number of requests we are currently receiving from schools, hospitals, communities of faith, workplaces, and parents for our education on bullying prevention and reducing gender and orientation related stigma. Our early childhood curriculum gives both children and professionals an opportunity to speak openly and authentically about bullying, gender, and stereotypes through a variety of age-appropriate interactive activities. All participants gain tools for reducing negative peer interactions and creating safe classrooms and school environments. Hundreds of professionals and children have already experienced this unique program through our partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe. In 2019, YES Institute launched the Youth Advisory Leadership Council (YALC) where youth between the ages of 13-21 have the opportunity to enhance their leadership and communication skills. YALC members assist YES Institute staff at community dialogues and play an essential role in the development of curriculum and programs at YES Institute.