You Don't Have to Have All the Answers

One of the most important skills a peer educator can develop is knowing when to say:

"I think there is someone who can help you with this."

Making a referral doesn't mean you failed to help.

Sometimes, making the referral IS the help.

The CPE Student Workbook asks students to understand when referrals are appropriate and to increase their awareness of campus and community resources.

When Might a Referral Be Appropriate?

Think about whether:

The situation is beyond your knowledge or training.

The student needs a service you cannot provide.

You are uncomfortable handling the situation alone.

The student could benefit from professional or specialized assistance.

The situation requires a level of support beyond your peer educator role.

How You Refer Matters

Imagine saying:

"I can't help you with that. You need to go somewhere else."

Now compare that with:

"I'm glad you told me. I think there is someone who may be able to give you more support with this. Would you be comfortable if we looked at that resource together?"

The destination may be similar.

The experience for the student is very different.

The Warm Handoff

When appropriate, don't simply give someone the name of an office and walk away.

You may be able to help them take the next step.

That might mean:

Helping locate the resource

Finding contact information together

Helping identify the appropriate office

Encouraging the student to make contact

Following your program's referral procedures

Stop & Think

How could the way you make a referral influence whether someone actually follows through?