Background. We R Native is a multimedia health resource for Native youth, by Native youth. The service was designed using behavior change theory and extensive formative research with AI/AN teens and young adults across the U.S. We design our health messages to address the social, structural, and environmental stressors that influence adolescent health; with particular focus given to the prevention of suicide, bullying, STDs, teen pregnancy, and drug and alcohol use.
We R Native launched in 2012, and a mobile version of the site launched in 2013. The site contains over 330 health and wellness pages that have been reviewed by Native youth and topical experts. The Ask Auntie Q&A service features over 100 questions and answers. Special features include monthly contests and community service grants ($475). All We R Native media channels promote interactivity and reciprocal communication by encouraging feedback and story sharing. The project is funded by the Indian Health Service HIV and behavioral health programs, and is supported in-kind by a SAMHSA GLS grant.
Audience: Our primary audience is AI/AN teens and young adults (13-24 years old) located throughout the U.S. The site has been accessed by youth from every state, with strongest utilization across the west coast. Roughly 2/3 of the website’s users are female; 1/3 are male.
Ambassadors. We R Native’s Youth Ambassadors are the heart and soul of We R Native. The Ambassador program is a way for youth 15-24 years-old to join the We R Native development team, get involved in their community, and make a positive difference around the topics that matter most to them.
Reach. We R Native collects digital metrics recommended by digitalgov.gov. Since its launch, the website has received over 323,800 page views. The average user visits roughly 3 pages per visit. The Facebook page and text message service alert followers to health tips, contests, internship opportunities, and current events. Altogether, We R Native reaches over 32,000 users per week through its various media channels.