PROGRAMS
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 6-9
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 10-14
YOUTH FIRST SOCIAL WORKERS
RECONNECTING YOUTH
ADVENTURE BASED CHALLENGE
MOST OF US
IN IT TO WIN IT
WHY TRY
LIFESKILLS TRAINING
SOBER UP
THE REAL U
FAMILY CONNECTION
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S.M.A.R.T. MOVES
S.M.A.R.T. Moves©, which stands for Skills Mastery and Resistance Training, is a research based program that was developed by the Boys and Girls Club. This unique national prevention program that helps young people avoid four of the most immediate threats to their well-being: alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and teen pregnancy. The main message of S.M.A.R.T. Moves is young people should not be involved in the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Besides being illegal, these substances are potentially harmful to bodies and minds that are still developing. The program incorporates proven prevention techniques to address a variety of at-risk behaviors. The program teaches young people how to say no by involving them in discussion, role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence.
The S.M.A.R.T. Moves program incorporates key elements to an effective prevention program:
Accurate information about the consequences of risky behavior.
Information to correct the assumption that “everyone is doing it.”
Sensitization to media and social influences that promote risky behavior.
Training in resistance skills- how to communicate clearly and refuse temptation.
Experiential learning – games, role plays, skill practice and small group discussions – rather than classroom lectures or scare tactics.
Content tailored to the age and experience of the participants.
Peer leaders.
Youth First’s S.M.A.R.T. Moves is facilitated by a team of high school youth mentors and an adult advisor. Youth First found that when the program is presented by high school students it is much better received than with an adult only facilitator. High school students are perceived not only as role models by the younger students and at the same time, “one of them.” In this way, the power of peer pressure and influence is used as a positive tool.
Teens from five local high schools are trained as teen facilitators in the program. The program is implemented as a 10-week program in fourth grade classrooms of the feeder schools of their high school district.
 Recognized as one of 10 exemplary primary prevention programs by the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the National Prevention Network of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors. - Lauded as a premier national prevention program by the White House Conference for a Drug-Free America as well as the Children’s Defense Fund.
- Cited in a study conducted by the Institute for Policy Research and Education as having positive effects on children’s refusal skills.
- Noted for its effectiveness in a study conducted by the Center for Health Policy Research of The Pennsylvania State University.
- Singled out for praise in The Making of a Drug Free America: Programs That Work by Mathea Falco (former Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Narcotics Affairs).
Youth First works in collaboration with area schools, businesses, and agencies to secure funding and to insure the highest quality coordination and implementation. Youth First provides:
- Ongoing coordination and support to those involved in the S.M.A.R.T. Moves
- Assists with seeking additional funding sources to sustain S.M.A.R.T. Moves program.
- Provides the research tool designed by the Youth First, Inc. Evaluation Committee.
- Facilitator training for those eligible and interested in participating in the
- S.M.A.R.T. Moves Program.
- On going technical assistance for facilitators.
- Budgetary tracking.
- Program curriculum.
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