Liff-Anderson Associates presents...

Learn about our programming...

• Overview of the Say Yes to Life! Curriculum
• The Crisis of American Youth
• "Why don't kids just Say No?"
• "How do we take a positive approach?"
• What other professionals have said about our work
• How to schedule a program or training for your school or organization

Say Yes to Life! Curriculum Options:

• Respecting Ourselves and Others - Build self esteem and respect
• Preventing Substance Abuse - Prevent drug & alcohol use
• Learning About HIV and AIDS - Teach AIDS prevention
• Preventing Acquaintance Rape - Improve communication
• Embracing Cultural Diversity - Reduce racism and other biases
• Teacher/Staff Training - Improve efficacy of prevention programming.

The need for effective prevention education has never been more pressing. As students increase their level of risk-taking behaviors, our schools experience rising rates of drop-out and inter-student violence. Adolescent substance abuse and associated delinquent behavior are now common to rural and urban communities. Our nation's rate of teen pregnancy is the highest of all developed nations. The tragedy of teen suicide leaves us all wondering what can be done to save precious young lives.

The "Say No" approach to prevention is problematic and ineffective, as it presumes that youth possess a strength of will sufficient to resist all unhealthy behavior. In actuality today's teens struggle with negative self worth, the lack of positive role models, dysfunctional family environments, and subsequent emotional crises (depression, anger, boredom, etc.) These factors all serve as powerful motivators to risk-taking behaviors. Youth are showing us they simply aren't strong enough to "Say No".

The key to providing effective interventions is the development and maintenance of a high level of self-esteem. Simply stated, youth will not choose unhealthy or dangerous behavior when they believe in their own worth and are given a model for living which is creative, energetic and inspired.

Out of this vision Mr. Liff-Anderson has developed Say Yes to Life! - an integrated series of curricula which address the many facets of risk prevention. The concepts of self-responsibility and positive self-regard are interwoven throughout the series. Emphasis is also placed on youth's need for positive alternative activities, including peer relationships, social gatherings, creative arts, cultural events and health-promoting physical activity.

Say Yes to Life! programs assist youth in exploring underlying motivation for risk-taking behaviors in an open, non-judgemental discussion format. Mr. Liff-Anderson challenges students to re-examine and confront commonly-held beliefs and attitudes, thereby developing awareness of personal responsibility for behavior and associated consequences. All programs include dynamic role-play exercises, allowing students to learn and practice techniques for more effective communication. A sample 5-day comprehensive curriculum could include:

Programs may be scheduled singly or as a series, suitable for audiences ranging is size from 10 to 500. The minimum recommended curriculum includes Respecting Ourselves and Others and an hour-long teacher orientation.

This program serves as the groundwork for effective prevention education. Mr. Liff-Anderson helps students rediscover their hidden strengths and talents, reinforcing their sense of empowerment and responsibility. As youth develop personal integrity and learn to respect themselves, they also develop respect for peers, teachers, parents and their world.

All youth need accurate information on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, yet many only learn myths from peers who are equally misinformed. In this program students in explore the physical, emotional and legal aspects of substance abuse. Those who use drugs or alcohol are challenged to question motivation for their usage, while non-users are encouraged to provide their peers with positive role modeling of abstinence.

The alarming rate of AIDS among American adolescents threatens every community. Mr. Liff-Anderson helps students to address this sensitive subject in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Students explore moral beliefs, values and common stereotypes surrounding the illness of AIDS. Role-play exercises offer in-depth coverage of HIV prevention information.

A recent survey found 1 in 4 college women are involved in an acquaintance rape. This program emphasizes the importance of male responsibility in preventing sexual coersion and assault. Mr. Liff-Anderson helps students reexamine prevailing gender-based stereotypes, encouraging the development of egalitarian relationships between young men and women.

By educating students to value the gifts of a culturally diverse community, we create a powerful impetus for preventing bias-related harrassment and violence. In this program Mr. Liff-Anderson explores the social development of prejudice and stereotyping based on race, gender and other identities. Students learn to honor the struggles and accomplishments within their own culture and the cultures of their peers.

In addition to health education or guidance staff, at-risk youth frequently confide in favorite or trusted teachers. Consequently, all school staff need to be skilled in offering sensitive and appropriate interventions. Mr. Liff-Anderson recommends that staff training be incluced as an requisite element of prevention programming.

Ranging from an hour-long orientation to an all-day inservice training, Mr. Liff-Anderson's dynamic training provides teachers with timely information on prevention issues and field-proven interventions. Participants explore and develop methods which integrate prevention curriculum into daily classroom discussions.

Stephen Liff-Anderson, M.S. has over 10 years experience in prevention education and counseling, serving the needs of minority, urban and rural populations, adolescent substance abusers and other at-risk youth. Mr. Liff-Anderson completed Masters work at Cornell University and has provided educational programming and training to hundreds of youth and professionals nationwide. Past audiences include public and private schools, colleges and universities, group homes, prisons, human service agencies, churches and civic groups. Mr. Liff-Anderson also co-directs the Ahimsa Sanctuary in Corvallis, Oregon.

"A wonderful presenter...Stephen is prepared yet flexible. I am always delighted with his ability to reach an audience."
- Sandra Parker, Health Teacher, Chatham High School

"Mr. Liff-Anderson does a great job relating the material to the age group present. The group found the session fun and continued the discussion even after the session was over."
- Ivette Williams, STEP Program Advisor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

"The presence of a male educator is a necessary and beneficial role model for our college community, particularly when he is as eloquent and sensitive to the issue of date rape as Stephen is..."
- Mary Davidson, Assistant Professor, Columbia-Greene Community College

Mr. Liff-Anderson offers free initial phone consultation to evaluate the programming needs of your school or organization. Fees for subsequent services are flexible and affordable to fit every budget. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Liff-Anderson Associates via e-mail: info@peacemaking.org