Making the Connection: a youths perspective on substance abuseuse prevention

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Making the Connection a youths perspective on
substance abuse/use prevention

• Presented By
• Celia Hooker
• Saint Michaels College
• Colchester, VT

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Never doubt that a small group of dedicated
individuals can change the world. Indeed, its
the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
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VTLSP/SADD mission

• The purpose of VTLSP is to develop among
  Vermont's teen leaders an awareness of prevention
  and wellness issues including alcohol and other
  drug use, traffic safety and risk taking
  behaviors, and to provide them with the
  resources, skills and adult support with which to
  facilitate positive change among their peers.

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The Vermont Teen Leadership Safety
Program/Students Against Destructive Decisions

• VTSLP/SADD has four key elements
• - State Advisors
• - State Officers
• - Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
• - School Advisors
• These elements create a network of support for
  students and adults that work with VTLSP/SADD

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Youth Advisory Council

• Meet three times per year Sept. Jan, (two day
  training) June (spring mtg.) Assist with GYLC.
  If necessary, find a substitute to take your
  place.
• Always be substance free and safe highway users.
• Commit to at least two major safety projects in
  the school year.
• Model, educate and promote a fun, safe and
  substance free lifestyle to their peers, parents,
  schools, communities, other states and countries.
  
• Network with groups - in their schools, nearby
  schools, communities, e.g. GMPP, Student
  Council, National Honor Society, New Directions /
  Community Coalitions, OVX, VKAT, etc..
• Be their school contact for the VTLSP state
  coordinator.
• Encourage their school to send students to GYLC
  and other state and national conferences.
• Assist with and promote VTLSP Fun Days.
• Ensure a YAC representative is designated in the
  spring for the following school year. 

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YAC Trainings

• These trainings provide the teens with the skills
  and knowledge to lead their school chapters
• Held twice a year
• Once in the Fall and one in January or February
• Provides opportunities for networking
• Trainings often have a service component

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State Advisors

• 5 to 10 People chosen by the state coordinator
• Most were chosen because of exemplary performance
  as school advisors
• Help facilitate all meetings and trainings
• Provide a strong role model for students
• Provide support and guidance for the teens

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Programs

• Governor's Youth Leadership Conference (GYLC)
• An annual conference run and planned by the
  states youth
• Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlington, VT
• 2006 was the 20th anniversary of GYLC

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Programs Contd.

• Red Ribbon Tree Ceremony
• Held every year at the state house in Montpelier,
  VT.
• Honors and remembers those who were hurt or
  seriously injured in alcohol related crashes.
• Students are encouraged to attend from all
  chapters.

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Programs Contd.

• Cross Age-Peer Teaching
• - Local Chapters run different programs in
  schools
• - The aim is to get middle school students
  interested in VTLSP/SADD activities
• Advisor Teen Leader Conference (ATLC)
• - Held every fall
• - A chance for advisors and the teen leaders to
  get better acquainted and to make an action plan
  for the year.

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Programs Contd.

• Ghost Out days
• Mock Crashes
• Safety Belt Surveys
• Awareness Weeks
• Safety Belt Use
• Alcohol
• Hosting
• Dangerous Driving

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Thank You!
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Contact Info.

• Celia Hooker
• 2191 Lower Waterford rd. [phone]
• Waterford, VT [phone]
• 05819
• Saint Michaels College
• One Winooski Park
• Colchester, VT
• 05439
• chooker_at_smcvt.edu