What's News? Winter 2025
News · Feb 27, 2025
Community Connections |
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Publix Too Good for Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic -
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Runners will take to the starting line for the Publix Too Good for Drugs Junior Gasparilla Distance Classic February 15 in Tampa, Florida. Join us for this family focused event with races and activities for children ages 2-10. Carmen and Wagner join Pepperjack to cheer on the young pirates. We can’t wait to set sail with you on the course! |
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Curriculum News |
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Too Good OST Prevention education is most effective when it’s consistent, engaging, and reinforced in multiple settings. Combining Too Good OST with a Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) or Too Good Violence (TGFV) to boost your implementation can take the impact of your prevention efforts to the next level for your young learners. This dynamic pairing not only strengthens the foundational skills taught in TGFD or TGFV but also extends learning and practice opportunities into out-of-school programs. The Power of Combining Too Good Programs While TGFD and TGFV promote self-awareness, resisting peer pressure, healthy decision making, and peaceful conflict resolution in a structured classroom environment, Too Good OST provides a unique opportunity to reinforce those skills in less formal settings. By aligning the core objectives of these programs, you create a cohesive learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. This repetition and reinforcement of concepts help youth internalize and apply the skills more effectively. The Synergy of Classroom and OST Programs in Action Imagine this: During the school day, students participating in a TGFD or TGFV lesson learn the strategies for being an affective speaker and active listener and practice these skills through role plays and activities. Later that afternoon, in an afterschool program implementing Too Good OST, they participate in an activity where they apply those same skills to navigate group dynamics and complete a task. The seamless transition reinforces the lessons and allows youth to see how these skills apply in various settings. Over time, these consistent and complementary learning opportunities build stronger decision-making habits, improve emotional regulations, and foster healthier friendships. A Winning Combination Pairing Too Good OST with Too Good for Drugs or Too Good for Violence as a booster makes for a powerful prevention strategy that supports youth development both in and out of the classroom. By reinforcing interpersonal and self-efficacy skills development in multiple settings over time, you can deliver a comprehensive approach to boost engagement, enhance outcomes, and help youth build a foundation for their lifelong success. |
Prevention Best PracticesCommunity Involvement  Community involvement is a critical component of any effective prevention education program. When schools, families, local organizations, and other community members work together, the positive impact of prevention efforts can be amplified and reinforced, supporting an environment where young people can thrive. Reinforcing Positive Behaviors Beyond the Classroom Prevention programs often introduce essential life skills such as conflict resolution, decision making, and resisting peer pressure. While these lessons are invaluable, their true power lies in consistent reinforcement. Community involvement helps ensure that the principles taught in prevention programs are echoed in the environments where youth live, play, and grow. Creating a Sense of Collective Responsibility Preventing violence, substance use, and other risky behaviors is not a task that any single entity can accomplish alone. It requires a shared commitment from all parts of the community. Shared community norms set expectations for healthy decision-making and a rejection of risky behavior. When families, schools, local businesses, and organizations come together, they send a powerful message to youth saying, “We care about your well-being, and are here to support you.” This collective responsibility fosters a sense of belonging and safety for young people, reducing the likelihood of them engaging in risky behaviors. It also strengthens the community as a whole, building trust and collaboration among its members. Increasing Access to Resources and Opportunities Community involvement expands the reach and resources of prevention education programs. Partnerships with local organizations, businesses, or government agencies can provide additional funding, materials, or expertise. For instance, a community health organization might collaborate with a school to provide prevention programing, or a local business might sponsor an event promoting substance free lifestyles. These contributions enhance the program’s capacity to address the diverse needs of participants. Engaging Youth as Leaders and Advocates Youth themselves are powerful agents of change within their communities. Prevention programs that involve the community often provide opportunities for young people to take on leadership roles, whether by leading peer mentoring groups, organizing community events, or advocating for positive change. When youth feel empowered to contribute, they are more likely to internalize the values of the program and inspire their peers to do the same. This builds a culture of positive behavior that spreads organically throughout the community. Community involvement is a cornerstone of effective prevention education. By bringing together families, schools, organizations, and local leaders, prevention programs can establish a unified effort to support youth, reduce risk factors, and build healthier, more resilient communities. When communities embrace prevention education as a shared responsibility, the impact extends far beyond individual participants. Together, we can build environments where young people feel supported, empowered, and prepared to make positive choices that lead to lifelong success. If you’re ready to strengthen your prevention education program through community involvement, start by reaching out to local partners and families. Together we can build a bright future for the next generation. Upcoming Open Enrollment TrainingsCurriculum Trainings:February 11-13, 2025 – Atlanta, GA Training of Trainers Workshop:July 14-15, 2025 - Atlanta, GA Too Good Curriculum Trainings combine evidence-based prevention strategies and proven best practices to give you the skills, knowledge base, and confidence to deliver Too Good effectively and with results. Our professional trainers bring extensive, real-world classroom experience to the training sessions so you can get the most out of your Too Good implementation. Single day sessions at each development level for Too Good for Drugs and Too Good for Violence, for Elementary, Middle School, and High School and Middle School for Seeds of Nutrition are available. Register Here |
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Upcoming ConferencesHere's where we'll be in the next few months. If you're in the area, stop by and say hello. We'd love to see you and find out how your prevention efforts are going. CADCA National Leadership Forum Beyond School Hours National Prevention Summit National Afterschool Association Boost Conference |
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