Today is National Running Day!

June 3rd, 2015

Gear up, get outside and get ready because today is National Running Day! We encourage you to make healthy decisions every day, like being active and saying NO to underage drinking.

Healthy habits are important to instill in your kids early. By talking about the importance of good habits, like running, they’ll enjoy living healthily.

Today, the Ask, Listen, Learn team is in full support of #NationalRunningDay by saying we run to SAY YES to a healthy lifestyle! Check it out on Instagram and follow us at @Ask_Listen_Learn!

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Champions of their Future: April’s Impact from Steve Mesler

May 7th, 2015
April was Alcohol Responsibility Month – check out what CEO & President of Classroom Champions had to say about the impact of hearing from Athlete Mentors about saying YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking.

“Classroom Champions teaches students to be the champions of their futures”

Whenever I was faced with a tough decision as a kid, I was lucky enough to hear the voices of my parents, teachers, and coaches encouraging me to make the right choice. At Classroom Champions, we are adding the voice of a mentor to the lives of thousands of kids in underserved schools across North America. In April, Alcohol Responsibility Month, those Olympic and Paralympic Athlete Mentors encouraged their students to say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking. This is one of the many messages that will help our students build great futures for themselves.

Classroom Champions uses monthly video lessons and live video chats to connect our team of trained Athlete Mentors to thousands of kids. The Mentors talk with students about a monthly subject like goal setting, fair play, perseverance, and leadership. Over the course of the year students get to see their Athlete Mentor pursuing his or her own goals. The Mentors give the kids front row seats to witness their hard work, set backs, and successes. They teach the students to set goals and to passionately go after them. As the year progresses, the students and mentors develop a strong relationship.

When someone really believes in you, it changes everything. Teachers tell us that kids with attendance problems start coming to school every day because their Mentor told them that consistently working hard is the first step to greatness. In one school, students who used to have conflict on the soccer field have went months this year without any issues because their Mentor taught them about playing fair. A middle school class got their whole community involved in a food drive after their mentor taught them to give where they live. More than 16,000 cans were collected for the local pantry. Big things are happening because students are listening to their mentor’s voice, and because dedicated teachers are nurturing those relationships.

This April, we asked Mentors to talk to students about healthy living, and we asked the teachers to design projects around Ask Listen Learn materials and Alcohol Responsibility Month. As athletes, the Mentors know that success in all areas of life starts with having a body that is well fueled, well rested, active, and free of harmful substances. From the work I have seen, I know that the students heard their Mentors loud and clear that making healthy choices, including saying no to alcohol, will help them accomplish their big dreams.

Steve Mesler at Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Olympic Gold Medalist and President & CEO of Classroom Champions, Steve Mesler, talks with DC Classroom Champions students during Responsibility.org’s annual Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day on Capitol Hill on April 23, 2015.

Steve Mesler, Olympic Gold Medalist, President & CEO of Classroom Champions.
*The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) or any Responsibility.org member.*

The Classroom Coach: Jerome Clemons

April 20th, 2015

What does it take to be a great coach? One of the key components to great coaching is learning to be a trusted guide. At their core, a coach must consider constantly communicating positive praise.

The advice I would give educators and parents about being a trusted adult for students to come to when they need someone to talk to, is to always have the mindset and intentions of a trusted coach. Like a teacher, a coach should help develop and motivate the whole child.

As a fan of the etymology of words, it is not surprising that the word coach, according to the etymology dictionary, means an “instructor or trainer.” The word was first documented in this context at Oxford University circa 1830. It is slang for a tutor who “carries” a student through an exam. A great coach does just that: guides, counsels, leads, mentors, pilots, shepherds, teaches, and tutors.

Hopefully at some point in everyone’s adolescence, or life, they are influenced by a great coach who helps shape their character, decision making, and guides them towards their dreams. I know that I am thankful for a number of coaches who helped me reach my goals and develop positive character traits. Through great programs like Classroom Champions and DC SCORES, I have been able to help coach students in learning how to making sound, healthy decisions in the classroom and in their community.

As a teacher, I know that students at all levels are constantly faced with making tough decisions. Just like they use their ability to evaluate while taking a standardized test, the students I coach must determine the best move while playing on the field. Many youth must also deal with peer pressures of drinking alcohol from people in their communities. As a parent, teacher, and coach I want to develop within my youth the instincts and integrity to make the right decisions in any environment. I want them to know that when faced with tough decisions, first and foremost, don’t be afraid to communicate your thoughts and emotions. Second, think like a leader and stay positive. Finally, I always like to remind my students about the quote from our Classroom Champions athlete mentor April Holmes,“Let’s make greatness a habit.” Greatness in any endeavor requires a commitment to a higher set of standards.

During the month of March I found it important to talk to students about World Water Day, celebrated by the United Nations on March 22, 2015. In the classroom and on the field we discussed why having clean drinking water was necessary and important to appreciate. As a coach I want to always reiterate the importance of drinking clean water daily. I want to make sure students know why around the world clean drinking water is critical to everyone’s survival. According to the United Nations on average, nearly 1,000 children die every day from diseases linked to unsafe drinking water. We learned why water is important for our bodies. Did you know that 66% of the human body and 75% of the human brain is composed of water? According to the EPA Environmental Protection Agency, water also regulates the temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes waste.

April is Alcohol #Responsibility Month. This connects perfectly with the Classroom Champions’ monthly theme of Healthy Living and the beginning of the spring DC SCORES season in order to help youth make the right decisions about alcohol and peer pressure. I think it is important for parents, teachers, and coaches to instill in youth the importance of being knowledgeable of the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. That is, being active and not drinking underage.

A great coach provides advice that can help you your entire life! If you are a trusted adult like a parent, coach, or teacher always communicate and praise your children, team, or class. Teach the importance of sound decision making and having good healthy habits. There is no better way to start the discussion of healthy living than over a glass of clean drinking water.

Check out what Mr. Clemons’ class did to celebrate friendship!

 

 

Jerome Clemons is a Classroom Champions and DC SCORES participating teacher at Imagine Hope Community Charter School in Washington, DC.
*The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) or any Responsibility.org member.*

We kicked off fall with a DC SCORES frenzy!

October 27th, 2014

The school year is underway and the excitement has been brewing to finally have the largest outdoor celebration for elementary school students of the DC SCORES fall season!

Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix partners with DC SCORES because of their commitment to help kids say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking. This unique program focuses on helping kids set goals, recognize the importance of teamwork and provide coaches that aren’t just there to improve soccer skills, but are trusted adults available to answer the tough questions, even about peer pressure like underage drinking.

This past Sunday was the 17th annual Fall Frenzy at Trinity University in Washington, DC. We were fortunate enough to tag along and be a part of the excitement as the kids were able to reunite with their teams and get on the soccer field! Parents, coaches, kids and staff were once again in their element as the event showed off how uniting a community can be so beneficial for the kids it serves.

The event was a huge success, but don’t take our word for it! Be a part of the action right here! Check out our photo gallery and be a part of the day!!

The 17th DC SCORES Fall Frenzy was a huge success! Thanks for all you do for the DC community, DC SCORES! We’re proud to have you as a partner.

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Major Announcement! Classroom Champions becomes new partner!

October 9th, 2014

Starting a conversation with kids about tough topics can be difficult. How do you get them to open up? Speak their minds? Combat peer pressure?

Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix, a program of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, is the most far-reaching and long-standing programs of its kind. Ask, Listen, Learn has recently partnered with Classroom Champions, a mentoring program that connects top performing athletes with students in high-need schools using video lessons and live video chat to motivate students to recognize their potential, set goals and dream big, while educating them in the practical use of communications technology.

This partnership is important to Responsibility.org because it establishes a place in classrooms around the country for teachers to start a conversation with their students about the dangers of underage drinking.

“Parents should start tough conversations at home,” said Ralph Blackman, President & CEO of Responsibility.org. “However, it’s the teacher’s responsibility to reinforce good decision making outside of the home. It’s through mentors, like Classroom Champions athletes, and through passionate teachers, like the ones we find in this program, that kids truly learn how to be confident, independent young people.”

Partnering with organizations like Classroom Champions is an opportunity for Responsibility.org to reach out to parents and teachers that have a positive influence on our youth. This unique program is proven to successfully impact the kids involved.

“Responsibility.org’s support of Classroom Champions across the U.S. will equip teachers to have quality conversations around the dangers of underage drinking with thousands of students to enhance their health and wellbeing,” said Classroom Champions President and CEO, Steve Mesler. “This commitment to Classroom Champions demonstrates Responsibility.org’s commitment to unique and impactful programming that aims to help change student behavior in positive ways in schools that need the most support.”

We recently went with Steve to Imagine Hope Community Charter School in Washington, DC to talk with some of their students, Classroom Champions participants, about what it means to be part of the program. It was in their pleasant disposition, positive attitudes and eagerness to engage that the evidence of the program’s success became clear. You don’t want to miss out on the action – check out photos from the day here

Find out more about this partnership in our press release and talk with your kids today about why goal setting and combating peer pressure are important to success!

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Kicking off Back to School with DC SCORES [VIDEO]

August 20th, 2014

The last yells of summer echoed on the field of Marie Reed Elementary School in Washington, DC, as our Ask, Listen, Learn team paid a visit to our partners at DC SCORES to check out the final week of their summer camp and get ready for Back to School season.

We talked with participants, coaches and alumni about what Back to School tips they had for kids to help make the transition into this new school year an easy one.

Part of the reason we partner with DC SCORES is their ability to influence kids in a positive and impactful way. Without after school activities and the support system of inspiring coaches, kids can find themselves with too much time on their hands, which can lead to trouble. Finding an outlet to communicate with peers and talk with trusted adults, like coaches and staff, has been the reason this program has changed the lives of so many.

With each new school year comes new peers and new pressures. Have you talked with your kid about what they should expect from rising a grade, and finding themselves in new situations? It’s never too early to talk with them about why making smart decisions is important, and why saying “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking can be so crucial during these formative years.

 

Girls weigh in: The impact of LeaderU

August 18th, 2014

We are two friends Cate Dymowski (15) and Grace Williams (16), who had the fantastic opportunity to experience the LeaderU Girl Talk Summit at American University in Washington, D.C. If you don’t know what Girl Talk is, let us enlighten you.

Girl Talk is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school girls develop leadership skills through a peer-to-peer mentoring program with middle school girls. Founded by Haley Kilpatrick, Girl Talk strives to help all girls embrace their uniqueness and become confident leaders ready to serve in their community. High school girls learn to be the role models that middle school girls need to make it through this time in their lives.

Founder & CEO of Girl Talk Haley Kilpatrick with LeaderU Summit attendees

Founder & CEO of Girl Talk Haley Kilpatrick with Cate Dymowski (15) and Grace Williams (16).

Created to support the Girl Talk mission, The LeaderU Summit provided an opportunity for these high school mentors to learn tips and lessons to take home to the middle school girls that they guide. There were many things we learned at the conference but this quote sums it up for us:

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” –Audrey Hepburn

In particular during the conference, we participated in seminars about time management, following your passion, and business etiquette. But it was the guest speakers who shared their experiences that made LeaderU so special.  All of these women were really inspiring and had put in so much hard work to get where they are today. They really showed us that being a leader means you have to create your own opportunities and, sometimes, you have to step out of your comfort zone to be really successful.

Cate’s experience: “I identified most with Jenna Golden, a woman who works for Twitter and a total food junkie like me. In my opinion, Ms. Golden has the best of both worlds. During the day, she’s busy working as part of a political sales team that sponsors non-profit organizations in Twitter’s Washington, D.C. office. At night, Ms. Golden runs a highly recommended food blog called EatMore DrinkMore. Before she entered the world of Twitter, Ms.Golden worked as a journalist for The New Republic and National Journal, which is part of the reason why I related to her so much. I love to write, and it was so interesting to see the many ways that Ms.Golden could use her talents. Her story inspired me to see the power in my own words and taught me what becoming a confident, successful woman could do for me.”

Grace’s experience: “I identified the most with Lisa Camooso Miller who owns her own public relations firm. She manages politicians planning to run for office and guides them in their public appearances.  In the future, I really want to go into PR so being able to listen to this woman’s story was really eye opening. I learned from her that the field is tough and competitive so you have to work hard and persevere in order to be successful. She clued me in on the difficulties of a PR career, yet really inspired me to pursue that path. She was a great example of how to balance family and career.”

The scavenger hunt activity allowed for the girls to bond and form relationships early on in the summit.

LeaderU attendees pose for a picture during an activity during the summit.

The best part of the conference was forming relationships with girls from all over the country. Most of the girls were from Georgia and Ohio with a few of the girls being from Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, and New Jersey. We happened to be the only two girls from Maryland, but really, state lines didn’t matter. We all had something to share and to learn from each other. We all had talents ranging from singing to dancing, from American Sign Language to poetry, from sports to community leadership. All of us were leaders in our own way. All of us supported each other in what we were doing and all of us empowered each other to pursue our passions.

The girls said the day on Capitol Hill was inspiring as they heard from women in the government and other esteemed positions.

The girls spent the day on Capitol Hill hearing from a panel about why women leadership is so important.

Girls have the power to change lives, their own and others, and Girl Talk is one way they can do that.  The LeaderU Summit delivered this message and also provided a chance to learn lessons from women who have had success and are continuing to impact their communities in positive ways.

Grace’s experience: “Through this conference, I have learned that you are never ever trapped in one place. The women who spoke to us had gone through so many career changes because they just didn’t like where they were and they were brave enough to pursue different goals. One breakout session called “Pursuing Your Passions” really impacted me because it highlighted that women can’t be afraid to say no just because it might hurt someone’s feelings and you need to ask for what you want. However, leaders are not just tough and strong, they need to be compassionate and empathetic too. I learned that a good leader draws strength from the people working around them. You lift each other up, instead of bringing others down.”

Cate’s experience: “LeaderU taught me that confidence provides opportunities. It also showed me that confidence starts with recognizing my own talents. In one of our exercises, the leader asked us to write down ten things that we loved about ourselves and then read them aloud in front of the whole group. I was very nervous because I tend to be a little shy when public speaking. However, this exercise turned out to be a highlight for me. It made me consider my great qualities and how I could use them to serve my community and reach my own goals. So often, girls focus on the bad things about themselves, barely noticing the very traits that make them special, unique, and therefore invaluable. In this simple exercise, I recognized not just my gifts, but appreciated those in the girls around me.”

Through The LeaderU Summit, we learned a new twist on the definition of leadership and had a great time doing it. The LeaderU Summit is an experience that has impacted how we look at success and leadership as young women. We took away from the conference this message:

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney

We are grateful to FAAR for providing us with the opportunity to attend The LeaderU Girl Talk Summit. The experiences and knowledge we gained were priceless. All opinions are our own.

Grace, a junior in high school, is an honors student who enjoys tennis, volleyball, hiking, and kayaking. When she is not jumping through waterfalls, she really enjoys playing her flute in concert band and the All County Orchestra, and writing fiction. One of her short stories earned her second place in the High School Young Author’s contest. She has competed on the global level with her Destination Imagination team twice. Destination Imagination is a creative problem solving competition that has honed her leadership and cooperation skills. She is looking forward to college and pursuing a career in public relations.

*The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility or any Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility member.*

ICYMI: DC SCORES Jamboree! [PHOTOS]

June 2nd, 2014

A lending hands was given to players in need, hands were shook to say “good game” and the spirit of DC SCORES was seen in the positive attitudes of every player. The 19th annual DC SCORES Jamboree was a huge success this past Saturday and we were so thrilled to be a part of the action.

At the Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, we understand the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle and we know how vital physical activity and team sports can be in keeping children from engaging in risky behavior such as underage drinking.

DC SCORES, an affiliate of America Scores, builds teams through after-school programs for 1,500 low-income DC youth at 47 schools by instilling self-expression, physical fitness, and a sense of community. They host an annual “Jamboree!” to wrap up their school year with a soccer tournament and a showcase of each school’s service learning project. Participation in sports and support from parents, caregivers, and coaches can act as a protective factor against risky behaviors like underage drinking. 

Also, the Ask, Listen, Learn: Kid’s & Alcohol Don’t Mix interactive game was given to 4 lucky parents! We hope they enjoy having an interactive game to help their kids say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking.

Volunteers came from near and far to help out the cause and be there for the over 1,500 kids who use DC SCORES as an outlet to stay focused on being happy and healthy. Check out our photos from the event and see what else this great organization has to offer, we’re so proud to be partners!

Check out and share our slideshow below of pics from the event!

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Teacher Appreciation Week Spotlight: Daryl Forte

May 7th, 2014

This week is National Teacher Appreciation week. At the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility we know how valuable teachers are to our nation’s youth. Not only do they provide them with the tools to succeed in life, but they also encourage and empower them to say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking.

We feel as if just talking about appreciating teachers isn’t enough. We want to show you. One of our partners DC SCORES is a prime example of how much impact a teacher, a mentor, can make on a kid’s life. DC SCORES has helped the city’s youth become confident and strong young people and we’re thrilled to show you a story from one of their most tenured. Find below a blog written by DC SCORES, highlighting the unique teaching styles of Daryl Forte. A neighborhood celebrity among the kids and volunteer of energy, he has been devoted to bettering the lives of the kids of Burrville Elementary School for over a decade. Thank you, Daryl for your commitment to educating our future leaders and being a positive influence on kid’s decisions to live healthily! We appreciate YOU!

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Daryl Forte, 41, grew up in the neighborhood and attended Burrville Elementary School during the 1970s when there were no programs available like DC SCORES. Following college, he worked in the federal government for a few years all while feeling the tug of his old school and neighborhood. 

In the late 1990s, Forte returned and has been changing lives ever since. During the school day, he teaches physical education and listens to any problems his students feel comfortable sharing with him. Once the bell rings, he take his no-nonsense approach outside to teach youth the game of soccer and what it means to be on a team. 

“I take seriously being a role model for the kids and just (them) knowing that they have me to come to,” Forte said. 

Forte stands on a small dirt patch near the goal he’s breaking down. About 25 years ago when he was in kindergarten, this was where the school building stood. By the time he entered first grade, the new structure was in place. But it would be decades before Burrville had a soccer team. 

“When I was coming up, we didn’t have programs like DC SCORES,” Forte said. “As a matter of fact, for me, I didn’t get into athletics until middle school.” 

A couple years after Forte returned to his home neighborhood to teach, DC SCORES arrived at Burrville. He jumped at the chance to coach a sport he had always loved but not had the chance to play. 

“I try to encourage the kids through coaching,” Forte said. “You have an opportunity to have what I didn’t have,” he tells them. 

Forte has the build of a middle linebacker, and during girls and boys games he paces the sideline constantly encouraging his players in a loud, boisterous voice. “Shoot, shoot!” he yells when a girl nears the opposing goal. 

But when the game is over, Forte’s even-keeled demeanor returns regardless of the outcome. After all, like Jenkins, he is one of the school’s most recognizable faces. Everything he says and does will be mimicked by his young student-athletes. 

He’s a leader of not just a soccer team, but a community. 

“With the coaches, we also try to encourage the kids that we’re all one family,” Forte said. “We win together, we lose together, and at the end we’ll celebrate together as a family.” 

As darkness sweeps over the empty field, Forte can’t imagine his life without Burrville. Growing up, any sports coaches he did have never stayed for long. He didn’t get the chance to be a part of a strong school community molded together through athletics. 

“Community wise, it means a lot being able to walk the same hallways that the kids are now walking,” Forte said, “and share with them some of my experiences being a youth in the neighborhood.” 

Blog & photo courtesy of DC SCORES

Ending Alcohol Awareness Month talking to real kids about #Responsibility [VIDEO]

April 29th, 2014

Here at Ask, Listen, Learn we value the moments we have with real kids talking about why they chose to be healthy and say NO to underage drinking.

We met up with one of our partners, DC SCORES, to talk to some of their participants. We asked them questions about peer pressure and how being in an organizations such as DC SCORES has helped them become confident and strong young people.

How did you talk to your kids about alcohol #responsibility this month? Check out our video blog, reminding kids how beneficial having strong mentors and positive influences as friends is to a bright future.

Special thanks to DC SCORES for giving us a look into the great things they do everyday to make an impact on the kids of Washington, DC.

 

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