NOW, click HERE for hot line numbers in several countries Practice Tips Active Listening Cultural Competence Group Work Opportunities General Practice Tips Archive of Practice Tips from the YLAI Newsletter Click Subscribe to join the newsletter. Then click on send in the email window that pops up. Despite our own beliefs and values, it is important to be aware of all points of view about youth and substance use. Our communication will not be credible if we do not stay up to date with the latest research and information about this topic and if we have not evaluated the reliability and validity of the research.
Youth voices can have a powerful effect in bringing about changes in society.
Youth as Advocates has collected some examples of what young people have already accomplished. The Stages of Change model may help you find a way out of the dilemma. The model was initially developed in work with people quitting smoking and it identifies the stages one goes through in making a behavior change. It also delineates some specific techniques that are helpful in each stage. If not, start educating your fellow members about the importance of including young people's perspectives in community decision making.