Tobacco Use & Other Drugs Life Skills Program

WE LEAD OURS TOBACCO & DRUG PREVENTION EDUCATION  PROGRAM (2023)

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Program Overview:

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We Lead Ours Youth Drug Prevention Program is designed to help young people in the Oakland Unified School District make positive choices and resist peer pressure related to drug use. Our program is grounded in the principles of motivational interviewing, which emphasizes meeting the student where they are and building trusting relationships. This approach has been shown to be effective in helping young people make positive changes in their behavior related to drug use (Miller & Rollnick, 2012). 

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Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that focuses on building motivation and commitment to change behavior. It involves meeting the student where they are, acknowledging their strengths, and exploring their ambivalence about drug use (Miller & Rollnick, 2012). By using this approach, we aim to build trusting relationships with our students and help them make positive changes in their behavior related to drug use.

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We provide a range of program offerings, including 1-to-1 drug education life skills coaching, classroom presentations, groups, parent drug education workshops, schoolwide drug education assemblies, and tabling at health fairs. Legit Money Club Drug and Violence Prevention Peer education group, Working Out is The New Lit, and Gladiators Against Vaping are our small peer education and life skills groups. 

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Students who are caught using drugs will meet with a We Lead Ours Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) coach for five sessions. During the fifth session, the coach will conduct an exit interview and encourage the student to join a club or group. If the student is still using drugs at a high rate, they will continue meeting with the TUPE coach and be reevaluated in five weeks.

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Statistics:

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• According to the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) (2020), which is administered to students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11 in California, the rates of drug use among Oakland students are as follows:
  
  • Alcohol use: 16.1% of 9th graders and 31.4% of 11th graders reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.
  • Marijuana use: 9.9% of 9th graders and 27.5% of 11th graders reported using marijuana in the past 30 days.
  • Vaping: 9.7% of 9th graders and 20.8% of 11th graders reported vaping in the past 30 days.These statistics highlight the need for effective drug prevention programs in the Oakland Unified School District.

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Daytime Program Descriptions: 

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1-to-1 Intervention Meetings: Our 1-to-1 drug education life skills coaching is designed to provide individualized support and guidance for students who need extra attention or assistance in developing essential life skills to make positive choices and resist peer pressure. These meetings are typically 15 to 30 minutes in length and provide a safe space for students to discuss their concerns and challenges related to drug use.

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Classroom Presentations: Delivering age-appropriate drug education presentations to students in classrooms, with emphasis on key topics such as the dangers of drug use, the effects of addiction on individuals and society, and strategies for avoiding and overcoming drug abuse. 

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After School Drug Education Clubs:

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Small Peer Education and Life Skills Groups: Are committed to providing students with a supportive and nurturing environment where they can develop the life skills, coping mechanisms, and healthy habits necessary to lead a drug-free lifestyle. Our purpose is to create opportunities for students to engage in small group discussions, activities, and projects that promote healthy decision-making, self-awareness, and social-emotional learning. Through our programs, we aim to empower students to build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and form positive relationships with their peers. Our ultimate goal is to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and to make choices that support their long-term health and well-being.

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• Legit Money Club Drug and Violence Peer Education Group: Is committed to providing a peer education program that empowers students to develop their leadership skills while promoting drug and violence prevention. Our purpose is to create a safe and supportive environment where students can learn from their peers and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Through our program, we strive to offer education, support, and resources that help students stay drug-free and avoid violence. We aim to empower our members to become leaders in their schools and communities, promoting positive change and creating a brighter future for themselves and others.

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• Working Out is The New Lit: Program is dedicated to promoting healthy living and reducing drug use among youth through sports and exercise. Our purpose is to provide a program that inspires and motivates young people to develop healthy habits, make positive choices, and avoid the dangers of drug use. By using sports and exercise as a platform, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters social connections, builds self-esteem, and encourages physical and emotional well-being. Our program strives to empower young people to take control of their lives and to make choices that support their health and happiness.

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• Gladiator's Against Vaping Drug Peer Education Club: Is designed to educate youth about the subliminal marketing tactics of big tobacco companies, specifically targeting teenagers with their vaping products. The club aims to empower its members with knowledge and skills to identify and resist these marketing tactics. The club also provides an opportunity for youth to actively participate in creating a school site media campaign to raise awareness among their peers about the dangers of vaping and drug use. The ultimate goal of the club is to inspire positive behavioral changes and promote a healthier lifestyle among students.

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Specialty Workshops:

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Parent Workshops: We Lead Ours Parent Drug Education Workshop, where we equip parents with the essential skills to engage in these crucial conversations. Strengthen Parent-Child Bonds: Our workshop is designed to enhance the parent-child relationship, creating an environment of trust and open communication. Practical Guidance: We provide actionable, real-world guidance on how to broach the topic of drugs, answer difficult questions, and encourage your child to seek professional help when needed. Expert Facilitators: Our experienced facilitators understand the complexities of discussing sensitive topics with children and offer valuable insights to make these conversations more effective. 

‍Professional Development For Educators: Are you passionate about creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for your students? Do you want to equip your educators with the skills and knowledge to foster a drug-free campus while supporting the youth in your care? Look no further than We Lead Ours Professional Development for Educators! Our program is meticulously designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to address drug-related issues within a school setting, from Tier 1 prevention to Tier 2 intervention. We offer a step-by-step guide on recognizing signs, initiating conversations, and providing support for at-risk youth.

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