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Review SMART Moves backgroundReview the background of the SMART Moves program, making the following points: The program was developed in response to four national problems: alcohol use, tobacco use, other drug use and teenage pregnancy. These are all major health concerns for young people.The SMART Moves approach is based on current research findings and years of experience in Boys & Girls Clubs. SMART Moves does not preach or lecture. It emphasizes teaching young people the skills they need to resist pressures to use alcohol, tobacco, other drugs or become sexually active. These skills also work in many other situations where youth have to make choices. Discuss OverviewDistribute the “Overview of the SMART Moves Program” handout. Review the handout with participants, encouraging question, comments and discussion. Briefly review the reasons for offering the program and explain the current status, i.e. are you still planning? Raising funds? Already scheduled and ready to go? If you will not be offering SMART Moves components for all the age groups, make that clear in your presentation. Review CurriculaDistribute copies of the “Table of Contents” for SMART Kids, Start SMART, Stay SMART and SMART Parents (just the curricula you will offer). Quickly run through the contents to give members an idea of what will be covered. Link to BGCA Youth Development StrategyPoint out that SMART Moves is all part of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Youth Development Strategy. SMART Moves and other Club activities are designed to help boys and girls reach their full potential by developing the following:A sense of competence – the feeling that there is something they can do and do wellA sense of usefulness – the opportunity to do something of value for other peopleA sense of belonging – the knowledge that they have a place where they fit in and are acceptedA sense of power or influence – a feeling that they have a chance to be heard and influence decisionsOverview of the SMART Moves ProgramBoys & Girls Clubs of America’s SMART Moves program was developed in response to four major problems that have a dramatic impact on the lives of many of our nation’s young people: alcohol use, tobacco use, other drug use and teenage pregnancy. Over the years, we have learned just how difficult it is to prevent these problems. There are no magi programs. We need lots of different kinds of efforts to keep our young people safe and healthy, including better schooling, employment opportunities and after-school activities at Boys & Girls Clubs. The SMART Moves program is one part of that safety net. SMART Moves is based on tested methods of years of experience in drug abuse and teenage pregnancy prevention. From that experience, we have learned a lot about what does and does not work: What doesn’t workScare tacticsTestimonials from recovered alcoholics or drug usersJust providing information or knowledgeWhat does workTeaching young people the skills to resist the pressures from friends, peers and the media to use alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and to engage in sexual behavior Activities that fit the age and maturity of the children involvedGetting parents involvedA Total PackageThe SMART Moves program provides a comprehensive package consisting of an administrator’s manual (SMART Operator’s Guide); prevention curricula for young people from ages 6 through 15; a curriculum for parents (SMART Parents); an in-service training (Be SMART); resource materials (SMART Resources); assessment implementation guidelines (SMART Implementation) and an evaluation manual (SMART Evaluation). For those who want to take SMART Moves a step further, the package also describes other programs (including Act SMART, SMART Leaders and FAN Club) that can build on or reinforce the concepts and skills learned in SMART Moves. How SMART Moves OperatesThe SMART Moves program uses a team approach involving adults and peer leaders who meet regularly with the group of young people involved in the program. Over a period of several weeks, the program provides both the information and the skills necessary to help youngsters avoid involvement with alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and sexual activity. Separate components have been developed for specific age groups. Therefore, depending on the age of the child, he or she will participate in the following:SMART Kids, for children ages 6-9. The program focuses on building self-esteem, positive social skills and the skills to avoid danger from drugs and other harmful influences.Start SMART, for preteens ages 10-12. This program teaches information and skills needed to resist pressures to get involved in alcohol, tobacco, other drugs or sexual activity. Group members practice analyzing influences from the media and from the peers. They also practice resisting peer pressure. Stay SMART, for teens aged 13-15. This program provides information about alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and sexuality and develops skills to help teenagers make healthy choices. Teens practice problem-solving and decision-making, stress reduction techniques, and ways to resist peer and media pressures. Activities are designed to be fun and keep young people’s interest. There are no lectures or required homework. Primary goals: to help young people achieve the following:Avoid using alcohol, tobacco and other drugsAvoid involvement in other drug-related activities, such as drunk driving or drug traffickingPostpone sexual activityThe main messagesYoung 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. Any involvement with alcohol, tobacco or other drugs (except for legitimate medical purposes) is rejected for young people. Young people should postpone sexual involvement because that is the best way for them to avoid the risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Core Areas and DefinitionsSuggested Activities That Would Reinforce SMART Moves Messages1. Character and Leadership Development: Empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others’ cultural identities. Give out awards to SMART Moves participants at a public eventHelp members become speakers and have them make prevention presentationsOrganize a balloon releaseOrganize a neighborhood cleanup of a playground with SMART Moves t-shirts for volunteersCamp out and discuss feelings related to program topics around the campfireHold beach retreat to orient new peer leaders to the program2. Education and Career Development: Enable youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations and embrace technology to optimize employability. Conduct essay contests that focus on how teen pregnancy can interfere with future goalsInvite guest speakers from backgrounds similar to Club members who have succeeded in nontraditional or challenging jobs3. Health and Life Skills: Develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and develop competencies to live successfully as self-sufficient adults. Hold a community health fair Invite guest speakers to talk about healthy lifestylesOrganize an HIV/AIDS “Prevention Jeopardy” contest4. The Arts: Enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of visual and tactile arts and crafts, performing arts and creative writing. Invite youth improvisational theater to perform Videotape members making commercials with SMART Moves messagesHave members create raps and skits5. Sports, Fitness and Recreation: Develop fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management, appreciation for the environment and social and interpersonal skills. Hold a holiday party featuring SMART Moves themesHold a friendship dancePlay prevention baseball or basketball ................
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