# Presentation: 943990

## Making the Connection: a youth’s perspective on substance abuse/use prevention

- Presented By:
- Celia Hooker
- Saint Michael’s College
- Colchester, VT

## Never doubt that a small group of dedicated individuals can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.			- Margaret Mead

## 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.

## 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

## 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.

## 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

## Programs

- Governor's Youth Leadership Conference (GYLC)
- An annual conference run and planned by the state’s 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.

## 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.

## Programs Contd.

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

##               Thank You!

## Contact Info.

- Celia Hooker
- 2191 Lower Waterford rd.          (802) 274-4948
- Waterford, VT 		            (802) 748-2947
-                             05819
- Saint Michael’s College
- One Winooski Park
- Colchester, VT
-                             05439
- chooker@smcvt.edu