Posted September 20, 2023
Rise Above Colorado’s Educational Resources
Not Prescribed: The Not Prescribed Lesson provides teens with the science and stories to understand the risks of misusing prescription drugs and the tools and resources to manage their own health as well as advocate for their peers’ health. The 6 Steps to Rise Above graphic organizer translates across substance- and health-issues, to help teens define their goals and practice refusal skills. This standards-based lesson leverages personal testimony from teens and their families through a compelling video and provides educators with a science-based interactive presentation along with a facilitator’s guide to lead conversation and learning. *New content has been added to educate youth about the prevalence and additional dangers due to fentanyl and how to stay safe/prevent overdoses.
Closing The Gap: ***New content! Includes current data regarding teen substance use from Rise Above CO’s 2022 & Healthy Kids Colorado 2021 surveys as well as revised content and infographics.*** Our behaviors are influenced by the norms we perceive in the world around us. Utilizing the 2022 Rise Above Colorado Youth Survey, this 60-min lesson engages teens in data-driven discussions about current teen substance misuse, norms, perception, behaviors, and media in order to align our perceptions with reality and promote positive community norms. Most Colorado teens are not misusing substances – and there’s a lot of hope and positivity to share and discuss. Educators are equipped with a customizable presentation deck along with a facilitator’s guide to lead the lesson.
The Meth Prevention Lesson: The Meth Prevention Lesson provides teens with the facts, tools, and resources to understand the risks of methamphetamine and to positively influence their peers. This standards-based lesson leverages MethProject.org, the definitive source on meth, and provides teachers with engaging, easy-to-use materials, including a facilitator’s guide, to lead a 45-minute class.
How To Be A Good Friend : This newly revamped resource helps teens think about and practice what it means to be a good friend. It includes tips on effectively listening, having a conversation, and getting help, as well as being a good friend online. The resource includes a handout as well as an activity guide that offers ideas for practice and reflection. It can be used as a stand-alone lesson, supplement the Not Prescribed or Meth Prevention Lesson, and is also included in the Media Smart Youth – Not Prescribed unit.
Media Smart Youth – Not Prescribed: Building on the Not Prescribed lesson, this 3-4 week unit explores the connection between media and drug use, fostering media literacy as an essential 21st Century skill for health, academic, and career success. The unit, including a facilitator’s guide, is adapted from The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active! Program Packet (2005), a promising practice for obesity prevention.
Together We Rise: Together We Rise is an online platform where teens can express themselves and explore what it means to Rise Above the pressures and stresses we all face. Launched by Rise Above Colorado’s Teen Action Council, Together We Rise is a collaborative space filled with authenticity, struggle, and hope. Teens are encouraged to share their stories, poetry, photos, videos, murals, music, etc., because Together We Rise!
IRiseAboveCO.org: This “by teens, for teens” website provides resources and inspires connection for a safe online community that supports teens in living a healthy life with purpose. All content was conceptualized, written, and edited by Rise Above’s Teen Action Council with support from Rise Above Colorado staff and Scientific Advisory Council members. The site focuses on How to Rise Above (a toolbox of research-based and youth-informed tips to cultivate strength and handle challenges), the Straight Dope (real science and facts about various substances), and Together We Rise (teen-submitted stories and expressions of authenticity and hope). Educators can direct teens to this space for independent study and creative expression projects.