Portage County Alliance for Youth

I did a 3 year qualitative research study seeking to learn how young people involved

in Supporting Players Peer Drama Troupes were affected. These high school

students attended a 2 day training, developed skits about teen issues, learned

how to process with their peers – and then presented a performance a month

in their communities. I was specifically looking at their choices re: alcohol,

tobacco, and marijuana. Visit my linkedin page and you can download

the “cliff notes version” (3 pages as opposed to 60) of my results.

What I discovered is that our actors were spontaneously describing the

Developmental Assets. In particular, Asset #31.

Wednesday April 25 from 5:30-7pm at PC Library Pinery Room Stevens Point WI

DEVELOPMENTAL ASSET ARTICLE FOR APRIL 2012:

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout the country.   The Governor of Wisconsin proclaimed April as “Teenagers Drinking Alcohol Awareness Month” in an attempt to address underage drinking and align with another statewide campaign titled “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most:  Don’t Be a Party to Teenage Drinking.” He also designated the week of February 13-19 as Children of Alcoholics Week.

These topics remind us as parents and those who work with youth that we need to understand the laws and the information about making healthy choices to support youth as they deal with issues of sexual violence, alcohol abuse at home and underage drinking.

As a community embracing Developmental Assets from birth to adulthood, we know  research indicates the protective factors within the assets offer guides and suggestions for  youth as they navigate the daily challenges of any at-risk behaviors they face.

It is during the preschool years that children learn more about their own feelings as  well as the feelings of others.  Caring adults can then connect the dots for children by fostering empathy, help them develop problem-solving skills, and teach them about consequences and responsibility.  For pre-school children, unhealthy and acting out behaviors can be symptoms of violence and may include hitting, yelling, pulling hair, refusing to talk with someone, making fun of someone, and taking away something important that belongs to someone else.  Teachers and parents can recognize, address any unacceptable behavior and then offer alternative ways for the children to meet their needs safely without hurting themselves or anyone else.

However, when not addressed early, these hurtful symptoms can re-occur with teens and young adults resulting in law enforcement being involved and possible arrests.

The governor of WI notes one in four children under 18 in theUSis hurt by family alcohol abuse.Wisconsinranks highest for binge drinking and the culture of alcohol use abounds.  When drinking is hurting a family or its resources – then help needs to be provided for any youth involved.  A trusting relationship becomes more important.

By building trusting relationships with youth, we become adults who believe in them.  We can listen as a way to support their need to confide their fears and concerns.  Problems can be shared and with us as their guides, youth can learn to develop their own resources and solutions.  Consequences and responsibility are being faced – but not alone.

Together as a community we can continue to build Assets in Youth.  Join coalitions who work to develop responsible drinking practices and remove the code of silence.  It is time to talk about scary stuff and what can be done so that our youth can be safe and grow into mature responsible adults …. that is what Asset Building is All About.

Written by Mary Ann Krems, PCAY and Dee Erlandson,CAPServices with ideas from GREAT PRESCHOOLS: Building Developmental Assets in Early Childhood by Will, King and Merler  SEARCH Institute.org , State ofWI Proclamationand Dept. of Health Serves for WI.

I have some amazing news to share.

Last month, I saw the new documentary, Bully, which reveals the raw and honest reality behind bullying in high schools and middle schools. I cried when I watched the movie because I was horribly bullied in middle school. That’s why I was shocked to find out that other young people like me might not be able to see the movie because the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) gave it an “R” rating.

Outraged, I started a petition on Change.org asking the MPAA to change the rating to PG-13. After more than half a million people signed – including you! — the MPAA agreed. When Bully is released on April 13, it will be rated PG-13, and the most controversial scene in the film will remain unchanged, reflecting the reality and brutality of bullying.

This happened because people like you — 500,000 strong — came together to say that we think the issue of bullying in schools is important, and if this movie can help, then kids should be able to see it. We were even joined by people like Ellen DeGeneres, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Michael Jordan, Drew Brees, Justin Bieber, and 35 members of Congress.

My petition was covered by almost every major TV station and newspaper in

America.

When I was bullied, I felt alone. But today I feel the power of half a million

people standing beside me. Thank you so much.

- Katy

Leadership Portage County will begin a new Leadership program in August.

It is an excellent program of monthly meetings to learn about and interact

with all the structures in the county and is well worth the investment. For

more information go to the PC Business Council Web site for an

application.