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.