COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOCUS OF NATIONAL ADDICTIONS AWARENESS WEEK

In recognition of National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) on
November 20 to 26, AADAC would like to emphasize the importance of a
whole community working together to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and
other drug and gambling problems. NAAW is a time to celebrate the joy
of an addictions-free lifestyle, to provide information and promote
activities that prevent addictions.

One way of getting involved during NAAW is to work together to create
a safe and caring community which values young people. As adults, we
have the opportunity to make a difference in a young person's life by
investing energy and effort in building assets for and with them.

The Search Institute has created a list of 40 developmental assets
that are the building blocks of healthy development that all young
people need to succeed. The more developmental assets a young person
has, the less likely they will be harmfully involved with alcohol,
tobacco, and other drug or gambling problems.

You can make a difference in many ways. Look through the list below
and learn a few of the ways in which you can positively influence others.

Support -- Vow to say one encouraging thing to someone each day. --
Show courtesy to family members in public and at home.

Empowerment -- Give young people appropriate and important
responsibilities within the family. -- Do simple acts of community
service together.

Boundaries and Expectations -- Be a positive role model in a young
person's life. -- Talk together about how to establish family rules
and consequences.

Constructive Use of Time -- Have a regular family night to do
something fun together. -- Encourage youth to be involved in at lease
one hobby.

Commitment to Learning -- Ask a young person to teach you a new skill.
- -- Set daily homework goals.

Positive Values -- Show care and concern for a neighbour by offering a
helping hand. -- Write down what you believe in and post it where you
will see it often.

Social Competence -- Have family meetings where children have a voice
in decision making. -- Smile and say hello to at least one new person
a day.

Positive Identity -- Dwell on what children do right, instead of what
children do wrong. -- Ask young people what they are passionate about.

Make an effort to join the many organizations in our community that
have already recognized the importance of the developmental asset
philosophy. Everyone from all ages and walks of life can be asset
builders. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our youth.