FRIENDLY PEERSUASION PROGRAM PHASE II (4th and 5th grade)

The Friendly PEERsuasion program is a unique response to girls’ needs because it approaches drug-abuse prevention as a peer issue, using the positive influence of young people modeling healthy behavior.

Phase I:
Girls ages 11 to 14 go through a series of workshops that train them as facilitators to provide programming on decision-making, assertiveness, and communication skills. They also practice walking away from situations where they feel pressured to use alcohol or drugs.

Phase II:
The newly trained “PEERsuaders” plan substance-abuse prevention activities for groups of children ages 6 through 10. The older girls are role models and leaders.

Results:
An independent evaluation showed that Friendly PEERsuasion helped to delay girls’ use of harmful substances, especially by giving them the skills to leave situations where their peers were using drugs.

Elementary Schools sites for 2024-2025:
Los Padres Elementary School, Salinas
McKinnon Elementary School, Salinas
Mission Park Elementary School, Salinas
Castroville Elementary School, Castroville
Marina Vista Elementary, Marina
Ord Terrace Elementary School, Seaside
Gabilan Elementary School, Soledad
Oak Avenue Elementary, Greenfield
Del Rey Elementary, King City
Ladd Lane Elementary School, Hollister
Freedom Elementary School, Watsonville

If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact the Girls Inc. of the Central Coast office at (831) 772-0882.

Program begins for 4th & 5th grade girls March-May

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION