Reach Out Now National Teach-In
Since 2001, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Center for Substance
Abuse Prevention (CSAP), has collaborated with Scholastic Inc. to prevent underage
alcohol use. The Reach Out Now (RON) initiative provides fifth- and sixth-grade
teachers with an attractively designed package of materials aligned with national
education standards.
Community-based organizations (CBOs) have supported the RON initiative
by conducting Reach Out Now Teach-Ins in fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms
throughout the country. Teach-Ins are an excellent way for CBOs to deliver messages
that build resistance skills among students and increase protective factors that
help prevent underage alcohol use. CBOs can build on the momentum of other community
prevention activities.
Frequently asked questions about Reach Out Now and Reach Out Now Teach-Ins
Community Organization Signup Form for 2009 Teach-In
Teach-In Locations
Currently available materials include:
To view 2009 materials:
To access 2007 Reach Out Now materials.
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How do Teach-Ins support RON?
Experience has shown that Teach-Ins led by prominent community leaders encourage
broader use of the RON materials by youth, teachers, and parents. Community
leaders also help to garner media attention about the underage drinking issue.
Together, the two school-based initiatives help to:
- Open a dialog in school and at home between fifth and sixth graders and adults
about the harms of underage alcohol use.
- Build specific skills and resources within the community that help children make
positive decisions leading to healthy lifestyles.
- Change social norms among youth about alcohol.
- Offer information and resources on topics of interest to parents, teachers, caregivers,
and youth.
What do CBOs do?
CBOs coordinate with schools to conduct the Teach-Ins. Each CBO is charged with
finding a prominent community leader to deliver its Teach-In. Mayors, Governors’
spouses, and local celebrities are often among those who make classroom presentations.
They use a specially designed lesson plan that is interactive and engaging.
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe some of the effects of alcohol on the brain and body.
- Identify effective alternatives to using alcohol.
- Work in groups to develop an effective alcohol prevention message.
What does SAMHSA provide?
A kit to support media outreach efforts is provided to CBOs as part of the SAMHSA/CSAP
technical assistance (TA) package. By bringing media attention to the Teach-Ins,
CBOs can help carry the RON message to the entire community.
The TA package for CBOs also includes the lesson plan, talking points, family pages
to stimulate at-home discussions, and additional classroom activities such as puzzles.
When are events held?
Both schools and CBOs are encouraged to conduct Teach-Ins during Alcohol Awareness
Month in April. Having thousands of Teach-Ins across the Nation during the same
timeframe helps focus media attention on the important public health issue of underage
alcohol use.
To view or print a PDF you need to download free Adobe Reader software.