Potential Magazine Fall 2015 - Alabama Edition | Page 36
happy + healthy
staying safe
Danger Zone
“Rather than just increasing knowledge, we’re
increasing school connectedness,” Jones said.
Thanks to programs like FOCUS, students are
learning how and why to avoid activities that can
put their present and future in jeopardy.
FOCUS hosts two statewide youth conferences each year:
• The Alabama Youth Council (AYC) in the fall
• The Rally for Awareness in late spring
The FOCUS Program is a school-based program promoting
student-led prevention of adolescent risk behaviors. The program
may be implemented in health education, family and consumer
science, or driver’s education courses to name a few or even in
extra-curricular activities at some schools.
Both conferences feature nationally known motivational speakers, offer Facilitator Training Workshops for adults, and provide
Professional Development and Social Work CEUs to those
attending FOCUS Facilitator Trainings.
“FOCUS helps teens develop positive, healthy behaviors and gain
resume-worthy skills and experiences,” said Sue Jones, Executive
Director of FOCUS.
12th Annual Alabama Youth Council
Parents, teens, and school administrators are invited to
attend the 12th Annual Alabama Youth Council. This
one day youth conference provides an opportunity to
come together as a community to network, learn about
prevention and join the challenge to make a difference.
As part of FOCUS implementation, school wide assembly
programs, small group presentations, student trainings, and
teacher in-service workshops are all provided to reduce
adolescent at-risk behaviors identified through the Youth Risk
Behavior Survey (YRBS). FOCUS members gain leadership skills
and are trained to be peer helpers, lead focus groups, participate
in service projects, as well as plan monthly events and prevention
activities.
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The Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center
October 8, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Learn more about past events, registration, or view summary
reports and more at www.thefocusprogram.com.
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