The Power of Humane Education

The Power of Humane Education

Thanks to generous new funding, InnerAct Alliance is excited to offer schools and organizations in Polk County an impactful new humane education program for children. Lessons include instruction by a humane educator using high quality, age appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities that reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare. There's also a fun option to bring live or stuffed animals in as part of the presentation and discussion to enhance learning outcome.

The Benefits of Humane Education

* Violence and bullying reduction by using live or stuffed animals to promote responsible, healthy decision-making skills

* Literacy lesson with high quality literature fosters young children's natural curiosity and affinity with animals to build compassion and respect

* Post-reading activities promote and strengthen academic engagement and prosocial behaviors of peers

These impactful discussions at a young age assist a child's ability to create real and interesting pathways for learning. The positive effects may reach far beyond the classroom into the home, across our community, and throughout our world! 

To learn more about the power of humane education, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or email Angie Ellison at: angie.ellison@inneractalliance.org. We look forward to having an opportunity to work with you and your children!

Empower Kids to Think Positively!

 

Empower Kids to Think Positively!

As a parent, YOU are the biggest influence in your child's life as you help them develop into healthy adults. Kids model parents' behavior. If they see you bounce back from setbacks, they will learn to do the same.

Help kids to see a way around obstacles. If something doesn't go as planned, encourage brainstorming other ways to approach the problem or reach their goals. 

Let them know negative reactions are okay when appropriate. Having a positive attitude doesn't mean burying feelings - acknowledge them and move on.

Teach constructive reframing. If a child declares she's lousy at sports, suggest maybe she simply needs more practice and if excelling at sports is important to her, she'll eventually master the necessary skills.

Encourage positive self-talk. Words have power, so offer affirmations to repeat until they become second nature:

"I am worthy of good things."

"I can achieve anything I set my mind to."

"There's a way around this challenge."

"Things will work out in the long run."

A positive frame of mind can lead to making better decisions. Positivity also makes it easier to achieve goals - you learn to look ahead and plot a course instead of just reacting to a setback. Of course this doesn't mean children will never feel sad, frustrated, or discouraged, but it can help keep them from feeling hopeless when they encounter the challenges life throws at them.

Thanks to our prevention partners at Informed Families for sharing great idea on how to foster a positive attitude in children and suggesting fun Family Table time activities suitable for school-aged families to help promote lifelong healthy habits. Visit: www.InformedFamilies.org 

Stay at the Scene - It Could Save a Life!

Stay at the Scene

It Could Save a Life!

The Florida Department of Transportation District 1 Safety Office in Bartow, in partnership with the Center for Urban Transportation Research, recently completed a Stay at the Scene Public Service Announcement.

Please click on the link below to view the PSA and remember to stay at the scene - it could save a life!

https://youtu.be/nBFg0bxeLfY

Project Prom Shopping Days Offer Free Formal Wear for Teens

 

Project Prom Shopping Days Offer Free Formal Wear for Teens

Nearly 60 teens and families attended the Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening on Saturday, February 12, at Lakeland Square Mall to shop for Prom formal wear and many left happy with beautiful dresses, suits, and accessories in exchange for signing a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free.

Lakeland City Commissioner, Stephanie Madden, was on hand for the first of 5 Project Prom Student Shopping Days on Saturday, along with UthMpact members (l. to r.) Valerie, Kelsi, Angelina; Polk County School Board Members Sarah Fortney & Lisa Miller; Commissioner Stephanie Madden; InnerAct Alliance Board President and Senior Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships for Polk County Public Schools, Jeanette Crowley; and UthMpact members Hailey, Katie, Luisa, and Aimee.

Additional Project Prom Student Shopping Days will take place on: February 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall (in the old Sears wing). Students must bring a Polk County School ID to shop and receive their formal wear for FREE! Store capacity may be limited due to COVID precautions.

Community donations of gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, and accessories are requested – especially women’s dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men’s dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates, at the InnerAct Alliance office (weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), or at select Polk County Public High Schools. For information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or call (863) 802-0777.

 

Project Prom Store Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Tomorrow - Saturday, February 12!

 

Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, February 12, 2022

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact are excited for the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE!

Lakeland City Commissioner, Stephanie Madden, will be on hand for a special Ribbon Cutting on Saturday morning, February 12, at the Project Prom Store in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Highway 98N in Lakeland (in the old Sears wing). The store will open for the first Student Shopping Day at 10:00 AM. Additional shopping days are scheduled for Saturdays: February 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 

We ask for everyone's patience as capacity in the store will be limited due to COVID precautions.

Marijuana IQ Test

 

We all know that Marijuana can affect the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and perform other cognitive functions, but...

How much do you REALLY know about the effects and risks of Marijuana? You might be surprised!

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an online quiz to test your Marijuana IQ.

Click the following link to find out!

 https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana-quiz

Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting & First Student Shopping Day - Saturday, February 12, 2022

 

Project Prom Store Ribbon Cutting &

First Student Shopping Day

Saturday, February 12, 2022

InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive dresses and suits for FREE!

Lakeland City Commissioner, Stephanie Madden, will be on hand for a special Ribbon Cutting on Saturday morning, February 12, at the Project Prom Store in the Lakeland Square Mall - 3800 US Highway 98N in Lakeland (in the old Sears wing). The store will open for the first Student Shopping Day at 10:00 a.m. Additional shopping days are scheduled for Saturdays: February 26, March 12, March 26 and April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We ask for everyone's patience as capacity in the store will be limited due to COVID precautions. 

Since 2013, over 5,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County. The community may 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 dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on designated shopping dates, at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays), or at select Polk County Public High Schools.

Visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or call (863) 802-0777 for more information.