Positive Social Norms Campaign
The social norms approach to behavior change focuses on the perceptions of peer attitudes. Each person’s attitudes and behaviors are influenced by their perception of their peers’ attitudes and behavior. The reality that most young people do not engage in alcohol and drug use is promoted through positive posters and social media images which are developed with the help of youth.
Sources of Strength
Sources of Strength is a strength-based comprehensive wellness program that focuses on suicide prevention but impacts other issues such as substance abuse and violence. The program is based on a relational connections model that uses teams of peer leaders mentored by adult advisors to change peer social norms about help seeking and encourages students to individually assess and develop strengths in their life.
Sources of Strength is most often implemented as a school-based program in middle school, high school, or college. However, Sources of Strength is also often used in community, faith-based, and cultural settings. It promotes and focuses on connectivity, school bonding, peer-adult partnerships, and help seeking behaviors.
BAD is currently working with groups at Cartersville Middle School and Cartersville High School.
For more information, visit https://sourcesofstrength.org/
Retail Compliance Program: “Reward and Reminder”
The Alcohol Reward and Reminder Program is an evidenced-based program developed to educate and/or reward local businesses for their efforts to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors. Here’s how the program works:
- Local retailers will be visited at least once a year by a team made up of a trained adult surveyor and a trained 21-year-old who looks underage.
- The 21-year-old will attempt to purchase alcohol without any proof of age while the surveyor observes nearby.
- If the clerk refuses the sale for not having any proof of age or any reason, the 21-year-old will hand them a REWARD card. If the clerk does not ask for ID, then the surveyor will hand them a REMINDER card (letting them know the laws & consequences).
Red Ribbon Drug Awareness
Every October is set aside for drug awareness in the schools. The week of October 23-31 is designated as Red Ribbon Week but awareness activities occur throughout the month. BAD provides campaign materials to local schools in order to promote the drug prevention messages.
The first Red Ribbon Week was initiated in 1985 in response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena. Angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. Red Ribbon Week continues to serve as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Visit www.redribbon.org for more information.
Participation in the Teen Maze
Every May, all 8th graders in the community attend the Teen Maze at Georgia Highlands College. This is a life-sized game of life that lets youth experience the consequences of decisions about sex, alcohol and other drugs and how it impacts their education and future goals. BAD members participate in the Rehab Center station within the Maze and provide drug and alcohol information to the youth.
Safe Sober Prom Campaign
This campaign targets high school students during prom season. Bartow Youth Action Team and our local schools partner to share information and alternative activities to promote safe and sober prom celebrations and prevent alcohol-related problems.