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Navigating Choices Together
Hosted by:
Boys Girls Club of Southeast Alabama
Please briefly describe your Communities Talk activity.
This unique event featured a special guest appearance from our local sheriff, who shared invaluable insights and real-world consequences related to underage drinking. This presentation was not just about imparting knowledge; it was about opening a dialogue. Members had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a meaningful conversation, gaining a deeper understanding of the law, personal safety, and the importance of making responsible choices. Following the discussion, participants experienced our specially designed obstacle course while wearing "drunk goggles." These goggles simulate the visual impairment caused by alcohol, providing a hands-on understanding of how alcohol consumption can drastically affect one's abilities. The obstacle course was designed to be both challenging and fun, creating an impactful learning experience that teenagers are sure to remember. It’s a stark, tangible lesson on the risks and impairments associated with drinking, delivered in a safe and controlled environment. Through this activity, we empowered our members with the knowledge and perspective they need to make informed decisions about alcohol. We believe in combining education with engaging experiences to foster understanding and build trust.
How does alcohol and other drug misuse affect your community?
The effects of substance misuse manifest in various distressing ways from increased crime rates and accidents to the breakdown of family structures and significant mental health issues among our young people. The repercussions of these challenges have rippled through our community, affecting generations.
Which prevention strategy(ies), as defined by SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, best fit your Communities Talk activity?
- Education Strategy - focuses on “two-way” communication between the facilitator and participants and aims to improve life/social skills such as decision making, refusal skills, and critical analysis.
What goal(s) did you hope to accomplish with your Communities Talk activity?
- Hold meetings or discussion groups on alcohol and/or other drug misuse prevention.
- Develop strategic plans to reduce and prevent alcohol and/or other drug misuse.
- Build coalitions with other agencies or programs to reduce and prevent alcohol and/or other drug misuse.
Did you accomplish your goal(s)?
Yes
What challenge(s) did you face in planning your activity this year?
How did you overcome these challenges?
What are your next steps?
- Host follow-up meetings or activities
- Expand our coalition with new partnerships in the community
If you’ve conducted Communities Talk activities in prior years, how has your repeated participation contributed to progress in achieving your prevention goals?
Members look forward to the events each year! We believe in being hands-on and engaging so members have a lasting impression.
Organizations that conduct Communities Talk activities often involve other organizations in the planning and execution of events. Please indicate which type(s) of organizations you involved in your activity planning.
Which of the following best describes the primary audience(s) for your Communities Talk activity?
Which Communities Talk resources (or other SAMHSA resources) were most helpful for your activity?
- Communities Talk website
- Communities Talk planning guides
- Communities Talk toolkits
- Communities Talk Find an Activity Map
- NA
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