After School Activities

Building Family and Community Involvement

Building Connections With Families

Parents can make a crucial difference in their teenagers' choices. Children who feel their parents' support, communicate effectively with their parents and live with clear, no-use standards are much less likely to become involved with drugs and/or violence. However, parents are often unprepared for these responsibilities. They need information and support.

One of the best ways to provide the knowledge and support parents need is to get them involved in Too Good for Drugs and Violence After-School Activities. Research has shown parental involvement to be a key factor in boosting resiliency and fostering healthy development in children.

Parents or their surrogates have enormous potential for strengthening a child's positive attitudes and essential skills. They can also be a tremendous asset in your Too Good for Drugs and Violence After-School Activities program. It is important to involve them from the beginning, keep them informed and inspire them to participate in the program.

Building Community Connections

Being valued by the community is a developmental asset for young people, and community groups are stronger when they regard their youth as resources, rather than problems.

The more connections you can build between the young people who are enrolled in your after-school program and their community, the stronger your prevention program will be. There are many ways to do this. Here are just a few:

• Invite guest speakers from the community.
  
• Have children write letters to community leaders and media representatives.
  
• Visit community agencies to learn what they do for community residents.
  
• Visit community businesses to find out how they handle tobacco and alcohol advertising and how they guard against selling tobacco and alcohol to minors.
  
• Conduct community service projects.

You and the children can accomplish a great deal by raising public awareness and promoting positive family and community norms.