Pubdate: Sun, 01 Oct 2006 Source: Ventura County Star (CA) Copyright: 2006 The E.W. Scripps Co. Contact: http://www.staronline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/479 Author: Charles Weis, Ph.D Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Note: Charles Weis, Ph.D., is Ventura County superintendent of schools. NEW GROUP FOCUSES ON HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE SUCCEED For any number of reasons, teens and preteens are at a vulnerable stage in their lives. Whether it's due to peer pressure, problems at home or school, the need to feel accepted -- or maybe it's just their way of exerting their independence -- too often, young people make unhealthy choices that can affect them for the rest of their lives. Too many of our young people are smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs. Too many of them also are engaging in criminal activity and joining gangs. The 2005-06 California Healthy Kids survey, conducted by the California Department of Education, is disheartening. It reveals that: - -- Approximately 2,850 Ventura County students in the ninth and 11th grades smoke cigarettes. - -- Alcohol use among seventh-, ninth-, and 11th-graders exceeds that of students statewide, and that 4,500 students engaged in recent binge drinking. - -- Almost 8,200 students in fifth, seventh, ninth and 11th grades have experimented with marijuana, with half of these students saying they are current users. - -- One-third to one-half of students in seventh through 11th grades report being harassed or bullied at school. - -- Only 37 percent to 45 percent of students in seventh, ninth and 11th grades report being actively engaged in learning as well as feeling connected to their school. - -- Most disturbing of all, 30 percent of students report feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more that they've stopped doing some of their usual activities. Not surprisingly, students who feel disconnected with their schools and communities engage in unhealthy activities at much higher rates than those who report feeling medium or high levels of caring in their lives. Many at-risk students end up dropping out of school. The good news is, we can do something to reach our at-risk students. Forty years of resiliency research shows that when schools focus on youth development, most young people -- even those challenged by multiple risks and adversities -- not only survive, but grow into thriving adults. So, the odds are not against us. Building resilient young people should be as basic as building competent readers, writers and mathematicians. Avoiding drugs, alcohol and other self-destructive behaviors can and should be emphasized in every Ventura County school. But schools cannot face these challenges alone. Parents, community groups, social-service agencies, public-safety agencies and healthcare organizations must do their part to encourage our young people to live clean and healthy lives. Success will come only if all segments of the community work together. That's why last winter I sought nominations for the Ventura County Office of Education's newly formed Building Assets, Strengthening Individuals and Communities -- BASICO -- Commission. Twenty-eight men and women who reflect the diversity and expertise of an entire community answered the call. Among the commission's tasks are to identify meaningful local youth programs that encourage healthy life choices and research the strategies of successful youth programs nationwide. Even young people who come from caring and nurturing backgrounds can benefit from these programs. But meaningful programs are of little use to our young people, if they are not properly publicized. So, BASICO members also will recommend ways "to get the word out" so that our young people -- as well as adults in our communities -- will know that these programs exist. For the past six months, BASICO members have been holding monthly meetings, working hard to develop a blueprint for school and community actions that build youth resilience and place our young people on the right track. Under the leadership of BASICO co-chairs Juanita Suarez, representing the Association of California School Administrators, and Tim Blaylock of the Boys & Girls Club of Oxnard and Port Hueneme, the commission will submit a report of findings that will be made available to the public next fall. Patricia Contini and Annette Preciado of VCOE's Health and Early Childhood Programs office provide staff support for BASICO. In the meantime, there is something we all can do for our young people, and that is to reach out to them. You don't have to be a BASICO member, or a community activist, or even belong to an organization that is involved in youth development. You can volunteer to be a tutor, or become a mentor to a young person. You also can connect with young people just by showing them that you care. It's simple, really. When you cross paths with them, say hello. If the opportunity arises, ask them about themselves, and listen to what they have to say. You'll discover most are very thoughtful and that you have more in common with young people than you ever realized. Little things like that can make a difference in a young person's life, and it doesn't cost you a thing -- just a little bit of your time. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek