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 Geauga County Teen Institute is affiliated with the Ohio Teen Institute, considered the oldest youth led peer prevention program in the United States. Ohio Teen Institute was established in 1965 and Geauga County followed in 1982. With support from dedicated alcohol and drug professionals and educators, Geauga County’s Teen Institute has touched thousands of young lives. Over 300 Geauga County high school and middle school students each year are involved in Teen Institute trainings and programs.
TI is a drug free leadership program and members promote a clear message of no use of alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drug use. Through involvement in TI, students develop the skills to become positive leaders within their schools and communities. Students are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to not only make positive choices for themselves, but also to encourage their peers to make healthy decisions.
Geauga TI offers many school-based and community projects and activities. For the past 15 years, Teen Institute has had the face painting booth at the Great Geauga County Fair. This project gives TI members an opportunity to interact with young children in a fun drug free manner. Literature on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is handed out to Fair attendees.
During Red Ribbon Week, the national drug awareness campaign held annually in October, Teen Institute members hand out ribbons, and provide drug information in their schools through announcements and school newsletter articles. Most TI groups participate in the Great Lakes Red Ribbon Awareness Fair.
The Fall High School Teen Institute Training is held in mid-November. This intensive three-day training includes education on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs and effects on the individual, family and society. The third day of the training is devoted to teaching effective prevention activities. Students begin to plan programs they will sponsor the rest of the school year. A shorter training is held in late winter or early spring continuing TI members education as youth peer prevention leaders.
Many TI groups promote the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out the third week in November. Kick Butts Day in April is another yearly event. This national anti-smoking campaign, sponsored by Tobacco Free Kids, was established to give a voice to youth in countering the Tobacco Companies advertising.
During prom season TI groups promote safe alcohol free proms and graduation parties.
High School TI students serve as youth staff at two middle school programs, held annually between March and May. Challenges and Decisions, a 7th grade program, emphasizes leadership, decision-making, and the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use. The 8th grade, Golden Ticket to Life, also focuses on leadership, character building and initiates 8th graders into the high school TI program. Both are overnights traditionally held at Camp Burton Ohio. All Geauga County school middle schools select students to attend these very successful programs.
Based on research, peer prevention is a promising approach in substance abuse prevention. Well-trained peer educators may be more effective than classroom teachers and other adults in delivering prevention messages.
ALATEEN MEETINGS IN NORTHEAST OHIO
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