Living Free of Tobacco ( LIFT) is a program designed by the VCU Life Skills staff to teach youth the importance of being tobacco free. It is compatible with the Virginia SOL requirements for Health and PE and teaches basic life skills. These skills include effective decision-making, creating goals to reach dreams, and how to deal with peer pressure. Nia, Incorporated of Greater Richmond has received a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation to present this life skills course to children free of charge. Youth who participate in this program will be educated, empowered, and encouraged to make good decisions in life. Our hope is that early education with a focus on future dreams and goals will keep children away from the lure of tobacco, drugs and alcohol.
The program lasts for 6 weeks and each session is 45 minutes long. It is designed to be taught by peer leaders between the ages of 14 and 18. These peer leaders will be trained by the experts at VCU. Each peer leader after being trained will teach younger youth between the ages of 10 and 13. We would like for at least 250 youth to participate in this program between October 2004 and May 2005. All participants will receive various perks to include certificates, school recognition and the possibility of being a part of the Y campaign Web site! Please Note: At the present time, all leader positions for 2004 have been filled. We are in need of participants.
Benefits to Middle School Students
- Goal setting
- Critical thinking and decision making
- Learning the facts about tobacco use
- How to overcome roadblocks in your life
- How advertising influences our choices
- Building relationships with High School Leaders
Benefits to Peer Leaders
- Excellent community service venture
- Citizenship and leadership skills
- Public speaking and presenting skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Working in a team situation
- Being a role model
- Helping skills
- Gains in self-esteem, confidence and attachment to school
Register Now
For more information contact us, at (804) 643-4000. |
