Peer Advocates

·       Training: Training will take place every Thursday night from 7-8:30 for 12 sessions and will include information on important skills like communication and building self esteem. Training also highlights information on a wide array of critical teen issues including substance abuse and prevention.

·       Monthly meetings: take place the first Thursday of every month and include all trainees as well as previously inducted advocates. Speakers will present at monthly meetings on various critical teen issues including Substance Abuse.  New Horizons representative Mary Lou Coccinotta presented on Dating Violence signs, resources, and statistics.

·       Red Ribbon Week: October: Will promote awareness of substance abuse issues within the school by distributing tokens Wrist Bands and Lollipops with prevention captions to the general student body.  Morgan students will be invited during lunch to sign a poster making a commitment to healthy choices.  Tuesday, students will be encouraged to wear caps to “Put a Cap on Drugs”. Also, on Thursday, students will be encouraged to wear slippers to school to “Give drugs the Slip.” Important Substance Abuse related statistics and facts will be read each day over the intercom during announcements.

·       Awareness Week: March 6-10, 2006. Will make pamphlets on various critical teen issues including substance abuse available to the general student population in the library, cafeteria and nurse’s office, as well as hang over 100 posters in a hallway highlighting important statistical and self help information

·       Education about Asset Building for Advocates and sent home to parents of Summer Partners Mentorship Program (Children from K-8)

·       Birthday Cards will be distributed to all Morgan students turning 16.  Cards will emphasize making safe and healthy choices including the choice not to drink and Drive.

·       Peer Advocate Tee Shirts with a prevention caption will be distributed to Advocates to be worn frequently in and out of school.

·       Maintaining an information center of critical teen issues and important help resources on the Peer Advocate Bulletin Board.

·       “Littles Reunions” parties for young participants of the Summer Partners Mentorship Program.  The Party is primarily geared for children from Kindergarten through 3^rd grade, however Junior high and high school students will be involved in the facilitation.

·       Junior High Helper Leadership Program-- Meets every Wednesday after school at the Junior High until 4:00.) Advocates will assist program coordinator, Sarah Hovey, with the facilitation of various teamwork and esteem building activities with Junior High Students. Strong anti bullying theme and ongoing discussion.

·       HANG TIME: Junior Leadership Program for 4^th and 5^th graders:

Same concept as the Junior High Helper Program. Advocates will also assist in planning and facilitating this group.

·       First Selectman’s Taskforce on Substance Abuse: 3 Peer Advocates are currently youth representatives at periodic meetings of the First Selectman’s Taskforce on Substance Abuse

·       Induction: Advocates will be recognized and honored for each year of service to advocacy of self and peers.