40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #15: Learn to Recognize Signs of Youth Substance Use – OTUS Trailer

 

Prevention Begins at Home!

Walk into an average teen's room and you'll likely find clothing piles on the floor, scattered school supplies on a desk, and a range of personal care products on the vanity. Nothing unusual for parents raising teens but looks can be deceiving.

Critical insights about teen behavior can be found within that clutter and correcting risky behaviors early is key to successful prevention. 

Statistics show most Polk County kids are doing the right thing - however as responsible parents, we should know the warning signs to look for in case our children or teen may be headed in the wrong direction. 

Introducing the OTUS Trailer

In 2019, InnerAct Alliance partnered with the Polk Sheriff's Charities to present an exciting new resource to educate adults and parents of teens in our community. The "Own the Upside...Avoid the Downside" Trailer is an interactive mobile exhibit that houses a replica of a teen's bedroom that adults can walk through to interact with dozens of items on display and learn to recognize clues signaling potential involvement in drugs and risky behaviors - visible in plain sight or concealed in everyday items.

Participants will be enlightened by what they learn and gain valuable information about current trends and resources to help children navigate safely through their teen years.

Book the OTUS Trailer for YOUR Organization 

This exhibit is a FREE educational resource made possible by Polk County Sheriff's Charities and InnerAct Alliance. Schools, churches, businesses, or community groups may invite an IAA representative to visit with the OTUS Trailer and share an informative presentation. 

Please note: a minimum parking space of 9' wide x 20' long is required at your location to accommodate the trailer

Adult Audiences only: due to the nature of material covered

Schedule: contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or https://www.inneractalliance.org/prevention-in-the-community.html?

It's important to know the facts and act responsibly to help prevent our children, students, neighbors, families and friends
 from becoming the next substance abuse statistic.

Donate

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #OwnTheUpside #OTUSTrailer #ParentEducation #PreventionBeginsAt Home #PolkSheriffsCharities #TeenSafety #SubstanceAbusePrevention #KnowTheWarningSigns #PolkCounty

Prevention Education Helps to Defy the Odds

 

Goals of prevention efforts are to delay the age of onset of substance use, prevent progression of use (to a potential substance use disorder), and reduce harms. One way to do that is to begin educating children at an early age - the earlier the better. 👪

Prevention experts recommend talking about alcohol and substances with your child when they are about 9 years old - before they are exposed to alcohol and other drugs. If you speak with your kids directly, honestly, and often - they are more likely to respect your rules and advice. This builds a solid foundation for communication and the opportunity to help shape a child's thoughts and actions about alcohol as they move forwards towards adolescence.

As a licensed prevention partner in the state of Florida, InnerAct Alliance works to empower youth to make smart choices and encourage adults to be stronger role models. 💪

Please support local prevention initiatives to help us stay ahead of substance use by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free program with your school students, PTA, church group, community organization, or business lunch/learn. Please call (863) 802-0777 or visit our website at: https://www.inneractalliance.org/

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #14: Kudos to Our Wise & Creative Kids

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #14: Kudos to Our Wise & Creative Kids - Then & Now! 

For the past four decades, InnerAct Alliance's prevention programs have educated and encouraged healthy life choices for students based on evidence-based factual information. We are always amazed by the creative ways that students express their feelings about the importance of living alcohol- and drug-free and celebrating the truth that most young people do NOT use drugs or alcohol.

The Power of Social Norms

Students enjoy using their creative skills to positively encourage prevention! Statistics show that Social Norms Campaigns can effectively help teen rethink their position and change perception about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. If kids believe they are among the majority who do NOT drink, smoke, or use substances, that becomes their truth and it influences the choices they make.

Messages from Kids Speak Volumes!

Student Creativity Today!

Please support InnerAct Alliance to help youth
succeed in all aspects of their lives!

Donate

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #StudentVoices #CreativeKids #PreventionArt #SocialNorms #DrugFree #StudentCreativity

Wishing You Luck of the Irish on St. Patty’s Day!

Everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day!🍀This holiday began as a Christian feast day celebrating the life of St. Patrick and spreading Christianity to Ireland. Today, it is celebrated as a day of revelry with food, drink, music, and all things Irish!💚

Remember to wear green and on this day, may your troubles be less and your blessings be more and you come into luck like never before! ☘

If you're looking to dish up something special for St. Patrick's Day dinner tonight, here are some delicious recipe ideas from corned beef & cabbage to hearty Irish stew to tasty Irish soda bread:

https://www.almanac.com/best-st-patricks-day-recipes

Final Project Prom Shopping Day: This Saturday March 21

 

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact have been busy this spring hosting our 14th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students. Our goal is to educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

The final Student Shopping Day is this Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillard's).

Students with a Polk School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive their formal wear FREE! Congrats to the Polk students who have already pledged and took home special dresses and suits on our February and earlier March shopping days. Over 6,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

Community members can support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and shirts (all sizes). 

Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on March 21 during shopping hours and at the IAA office at 621 South Florida Ave., in Lakeland (weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm). 

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

Spring Break Safety: How to Keep Teens Safe & Responsible

 

Spring Break😎is an exciting time for teens as it offers a break from school, a chance to relax, and time to spend with friends. But, time off also comes with risks like peer pressure, substance use, and online dangers. 

 

Spring Break should be fun and exciting, but safety comes first. As a parent, you can help your teen stay safe with proactive communication and setting clear rules to avoid risks like substance abuse, accidents, and exploitation. By setting rules, talking openly, and giving teens the tools they need to make good choices, you can help them enjoy their time responsibly. 💪 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with Informed Families to promote the Safe Homes, Smart Parties campaign, which offers, simple steps for parents to protect teens and keep spring break safe. 

Here are some suggestions to help your teen make smart choices during their spring break:

Make Your Home a Safe Space - The best way to keep your teen safe is by making sure your home is a secure, supportive place. Don't allow underage drinking or drug use at home. Communicate with other parents to ensure your teen is going to supervised gatherings. Plan fun, alcohol-free activities to keep your teen engaged and out of harm's way.

Set Clear Rules & Expectations - Before spring break starts, sit down with your teen and set ground rules. Talk about curfews, plans, and who they'll be with. Ask them to check in with you regularly through text or calls. If they are traveling, go over safety measures, emergency contacts, and how to handle unexpected situations.

Talk About Peer Pressure & Substance Use - Peer pressure is common during spring break. Help your teen feel confident in saying no to risky situations. Practice responses they can use if someone offers them alcohol or drugs. Encourage them to stay with friends who make smart choices. Remind them that underage drinking and drug use can lead to dangerous situations and bad decisions.

Teach Online & Social Media Safety - Teens are always online, so it's important they understand how to use social media safely. Explain that once something is posted online, it can't be erased, even if deleted. Warn them not to share their location, which could make them a target for strangers.

Talk About Safe Transportation - No matter where your teen is, they need a safe way to get around. Make sure they have access to safe rides. Remind them to never get in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Encourage them to use rideshare apps, public transportation, or a designated driver if needed.

Keep Communication Open - Teens need to feel comfortable talking to you. Make sure they know they can reach out for help without fear of punishment - and that they can call you at any time if they feel unsafe. Listen and let them share their thoughts and concerns. Show support and understanding when discussing tough topics.

Take a stand against underage drinking and risky behavior by supporting the Informed Families' Safe Homes, Smart Parties Campaign. Visit: https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/spring-break-safety-tips-for-parents      

We wish everyone a fun, relaxing, and safe Spring Break! 🌞        

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #13: Project Prom - Making Dreams Come True

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #13 Project Prom - Making Dreams Come True!

Springtime means the countdown to Prom is underway! Unfortunately for some teens, expenses associated with attending this milestone social event may be out of reach. InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to collaborate on Project Prom, now in its 14th year, to provide FREE formal wear to high school students and educate youth and parents about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

The Impact

Since 2013, over 6,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to Polk teens! UthMpact also offers Project HOCO in the fall to provide formalwear for Homecoming!

Final Spring Student Shopping Day

Saturday, March 21
Time: 11AM to 4PM
Location: Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall (3800 U.S. Hwy 98N, Lakeland) - enter to the right of Dillard's

Students with a Polk County High School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost!

Donations Needed

Community members may donate gently used dresses, men's suits, shoes, purses, jewelry, and accessories. Especially needed are: Women's dresses sizes XS (0-3) and plus sizes (18+) - Men's Suits in smaller sizes - Dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes)

Support Project Prom!

$40 = cost to print special tags for clothing
$400 = provides brochures for each teen/family
$4,000 = funds nearly 6 month's rent for the Project Prom Store

Donate

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate 

text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #ProjectProm #UthMpact #PromDresses #FreeFormals #PolkCountyTeens #MakingDreamsComeTrue #ProjectHOCO #CommunitySupport #DrugFreeProm