It’s that time of year again. Prom is kicking-off in the tri-county area this weekend, and graduation is right around the corner. Summer will be here in a blink of an eye. This is the season when risky behaviors tend to increase for youth. It is important for youth to know how to stick to their limits, and be empowered to make healthy informed decisions through education and community awareness. It is important for youth to know skills, and have access to tips, tools, and resources for staying ABOVE THE INFLUENCE. Above the influence of drugs, alcohol, and other pressures. Having approachable adults in their lives that encourage and motivate them to stick to their goals, and be healthy and successful are also extremely vital.
So, what exactly is an approachable adult? An approachable adult is someone that youth can talk to in open and honest dialogue. Someone that is considered ASKABLE, and actively listens and provides feedback in a nonjudgmental manner. Someone that strives to BUILD BRIDGES with youth by engaging them in conversation and activities. Someone that uses “teachable moments” when opportunity knocks. Someone that not only educates them on healthy behaviors like brushing their teeth and eating their vegetables, but covers those “tough topics” like relationships, self-esteem, body image, drugs & alcohol, and other sexual health topics. Someone that CONTINUES TO LEARN ways to enhance youth-adult connections; through involvement, positive youth development, service-learning, workshops and classes for ongoing learning, mentoring, and more. Approachable adults help to build healthy and successful youth, as they strive to become our future mentors and leaders.
The Triple A (Approachable Adult Award) is being launched by the Bee Inspired Program as part of Teen Empowerment Month in May. Youth and adults may nominate individuals in Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright Counties that they feel are “approachable” adults to youth ages 12-19. From those nominations, up to one adult from each county may be awarded the honor of the Triple A Award. Nominations are open until 4pm on 5/4/17. The award recipients will then be notified by 5/15/17.
Nomination Criteria:
1. Adult must live and/or work in Hamilton, Humboldt, or Wright County
2. Adult should be someone that is Askable, Builds Bridges with youth ages 12-19, and/or Continues to Learn ways to enhance youth-adult connections
3. Adult should be someone that is a parent/caregiver, teacher/educator, coach, neighbor, mentor, role model, and/or someone that shows good character and makes a positive impact in the lives of youth
Those wishing to nominate an individual that they feel embodies what it means to “bee approachable” may follow the link to the online registration form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JXCWTGK, send an email to beeinspiredcappprogram@gmail.com with the required information, or mail a hard copy to:
Building Families
%Bee Inspired CAPP Program
120 1st Ave NW
Suite 14
Clarion, IA 50525
Questions? Contact Tiffany with the Bee Inspired Program at (o) 515.602.6371 (ext 4) or (c) 515.835.1836.