The Buzz is…
The Bee Inspired Program has a new mascot! Bee sure to bee on the lookout for “Buzzbee” sharing BUZZworthy tidbits in the serving area.  Thanks to funding from the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation and the Community Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention(CAPP) Grant through EyesOpenIowa, we were able to launch the “Bee in the Know” Social Media Marketing Campaign.

The first phase of the campaign kicked-off during “Let’s Talk Month” in October. This consisted of a “name the logo” contest. This strategy helped to bring the updated bee logo to take life as the Program’s new mascot. An online nomination contest was held for individuals (both youth and adults) to submit names for the bee. “Buzzbee” was selected as the grand prize winner, and the nominee was an adult from Hamilton County.

The second phase of the campaign is underway. The Program has been working with a marketing consultant to design variations of Buzzbee to use with “Bee in the Know” topics on our social media platforms. Bee sure to check out posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A life-size variation of Buzzbee will soon be traveling with the Bee Inspired CAPP Program Coordinator to various events across Hamilton, Humboldt, Wright, and parts of Hancock and Cerro Gordo Counties.

The third and final phase will wrap up by June 30, 2018. Animated videos and clips of Buzzbee are being created to use on the Bee Inspired YouTube Channel and SnapChat. These videos will be imbedded into the bee-inspired.org website. Stay tuned for updates on those launch dates.

Themes for ALL content have been provided by the Bee Inspired Advisory Council, local Hamilton County youth and adults, and other individuals from the serving area. The goal is to empower ALL adolscents to make healthy informed decisions through education and community awareness. The buzzworthy tidbits by Buzzbee will draw individuals (youth and adults) to tips, tools, programs, services, and other resources focused around adolescent sexual health topics.

Have questions? Want to submit a certain theme for us to cover? Feel free to share your ideas by submitting feedback in the link provided below or here.  Thanks for buzzin’ by, and Happy 2018!

Buzzworthy Tidbit Feedback Form:  https://goo.gl/forms/iyN68veIm8EMcU6U2

It’s that time of year again…October!  One of our favorites!   It means schools are celebrating Homecoming and School Pride, coffee shops are serving up Pumpkin Chais, and we of course are celebrating Let’s Talk Month.  Each year we jump on board the opportunity to raise awareness and education for crucial conversations on “tough topics” with youth and adults.  Let’s Talk Month (#LTM) is recognized both locally and nationally.  The campaign is dedicated to helping parents/guardians and children/teens talk about relationships and sexual health topics in an open, honest and comprehensive way. The hope is to turn “the talk” into an ongoing conversation, one in which both young people and their parents/guardians feel comfortable and confident!

This year for #LTM, the Bee Inspired Program through Building Families is launching the “Name the Bee Mascot” Contest.  It is the first part of the “Bee in the Know” Marketing Campaign kicking-off in the serving area.  Youth and adults in Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright Counties may submit entries to help name our “bee” and bring them to life for use on our social media platforms throughout the year. Our “busy bee” will then be empowering ALL adolescents in the tri-county serving area to make healthy informed decisions through education and community awareness through snaps, videos, and more!

Name the Bee Mascot Contest Details:

1. Youth AND/OR Adults may submit ONE name PER DAY.
2. One youth OR adult from the tri-county area will be selected as the one winner.
3. Entries may be submitted until the deadline of 12:00 pm on 10/10/17.
4. Youth and/or adults submitting entries must attend school/alternative setting or live and/or work in Hamilton, Humboldt, or Wright Counties.
5. Mascot name submissions MUST be appropriate.  It is highly recommended that they fit the bee logo and the Bee Inspired Program brand.
6. Those entering MUST abide by all Contest Rules and Agreements. Contest Rules and Agreements.
7. Submit entries online or via email to beeinspiredcappprogram@gmail.com.

***Special thank you to Enhance Hamilton County Foundation for partial funding of the Bee in the Know Marketing Campaign.

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.

September 26th launched Family Day across the Nation.  The Bee Inspired CAPP Advisory Council used that as a stepping stone to Let’s Talk Month; taking place throughout the month of October.  The council circulated “conversation placemats” in local restaurants to help adults and youth open up the conversation about “tough topics” like substance use, relationships, sexual health, and other health-related topics.  Attached are the ANSWERS to the activities.  We encourage adults to continue conversations with your children and youth in your lives.  These important conversations should be more than a “1-time convo”.  Make it an 18- year conversation, and keep it going year-round

Bee on the Lookout for activities, events, & information bee-ing shared throughout October encouraging youth-adult conversations! #LTM # FamilyDay #familyconversation

The Bee Inspired CAPP Program and Parent Connection Program through Building Families, Power Up YOUth in Hamilton County, Iowa, and additional providers in Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright Counties are joining forces with The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse to celebrate Family Day –  Be Involved. Stay Involved® on September 26, 2016.  This will springboard their efforts in supporting Let’s Talk Month in October. CASA Family Day is a national initiative to promote simple acts of parental engagement as key ways to help prevent risky substance use in children and teens. Each October is celebrated as Let’s Talk Month, both in Iowa and nationally.  The month is an awareness and education campaign dedicated to helping parents, guardians, and other adults talk about relationships and sexual health topics with youth in an open, honest, and comprehensive way. Research shows that children with hands-on parents are far less likely to smoke, drink or use other drugs. Providing youth with accurate, reliable health education is an important responsibility.  Studies reveal most kids prefer learning about these “tough topics” from their parents or a trusting adult!   We as providers want to remind parents and caregivers the importance of being the primary educators for children, especially in regards to talking about substance use, relationships, values, and other health-related topics.

The Bee Inspired CAPP Advisory Council encourages parents, caregivers, and other approachable adults to Get the FACTS! Start EARLY & TALK often! Parental engagement is key in helping our youth become healthy and successful future mentors and leaders. We encourage parents, caregivers, and other adults to enjoy Family Day together, and to take the family day STAR Pledge at www.CASAFamilyDay.org.  “Every child deserves to grow up healthy and happy with an adolescent that is free from addiction.  Parents, one of the best ways you can help keep your kids stay substance free is to be engaged in their lives –  that includes being there for them at dinner,” says Jeffrey B.  Lane, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse’s Chairman.  “The conversations that take place during family dinners give you a window into what your kids are going through and helps you keep the lines of communication open with them.” Agencies in our tri-county area have collaborated to create conversation placemats that will be available at various restaurants launching on Family Day, going into October for Let’s Talk Month. The focus is that great conversations take place over a meal. The activities and materials have been adapted from the CASA website, and will be highlighted on our bee-inspired.org website, Facebook Page, and other social media accounts (@beeinspiredCAPP). More information and activities for Let’s Talk Month will be circulated in October.  Remember, parental engagement matters!

Adolescence is the critical period for the initiation of risky behaviors, including substance use and its consequences.

• Nine out of 10 Americans who meet the medical criteria for addiction started smoking, drinking, or using other drugs before age 18.
• Addiction is a disease that in most cases begins in adolescence so preventing or delaying teens from using nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs for as long as possible is crucial to their health and safety.
• Preventing or delaying teens from using alcohol, nicotine or other drugs for as long as possible is crucial to their health and safety.

The mission of the Bee Inspired CAPP Program is to empower ALL youth to make healthy informed decisions through education and community awareness.  The Program, and its Advisory Council members are committed to strengthening children and families in the tri-county area, and believes that celebrating Family Day and Let’s Talk Month are both important first steps in helping to keeping America’s children and teens free of addiction and other risky behaviors. For additional  information  about  Family  Day,  visit  www.CASAFamilyDay.org. For information on Let’s Talk Month in October, check out EyesOpenIowa or Advocates For Youth.  Want more tips, tools, or resources on how to be more approachable on those “tough topic”? Contact us at beeinspiredcappprogram@gmail.com or buzz around our website.

Photo Sources:  The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) and EyesOpenIowa

It’s State Fair time!  This means that summer is winding down, and school will be kicking off soon.  The Buzz is to Bee Inspired.  Below we have provided 5 tips for both youth AND adults on HOW to bee inspired to make healthy informed decisions this school year!

Tips for Youth:

1.Bee INFORMED: Get the FACTS and TALK to approachable adults in your life!  Shoot to have at least 1-3 adults that you can reach out to for support and correct information.

2. Bee in the KNOW: Be open to learning. Learn new skills, especially those that help in empowering you to be healthy and successful.

3. Bee INVOLVED: Get connected to your peers, your family, your community, school activities, youth development programs, & more.  Embrace new opportunities that help you grow.

4.  Bee AWARE: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! There are many resources available to children and families in the serving area.  Share with your peers and family members.

5. Bee ABOVE THE INFLUENCE: Set your Goals. Stick to your limits. Remember the pillars of character at school, home, and in the community. Resist Pressures. Grow  yourself, and help others.

Tips for Parents, Caregivers, & Other Adults:

1. Bee INFORMED: Get the FACTS, START Early, and TALK often! Encourage youth to get the facts, and talk to them about how to be healthy and successful!

2.  Bee in the KNOW: Communicate with youth about school, friends, activities, goals, and expectations. Be an approachable adult by being Askable, Building Bridges, and Continuing to Learn.

3. Bee Involved: There are so many groups, classes, events, and activities available in the community.  Get involved, volunteer, eat together, and spend time together.  Talk WITH Youth.  Collaborate more!

4. Bee Aware: There are many resources available in the area, from prenatal to gerontology (services focused on the elderly). Be open to seeking out help or support when you need it, whether for yourself or your family.  Share with others, be it your neighbor or a friend.

5. Bee ABOVE THE INFLUENCE: Encourage your youth to set limits and stick to them! Motivate them to be above the influence of drugs, alcohol, bullying, peer pressure, partner pressure, & other risky behaviors!  Be a positive role model for them.

The Bee Inspired CAPP Program Coordinator is available to provide resources & referrals to all youth, parents and caregivers, school districts, and other community members in Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright Counties. Feel free to BUZZ around bee-inspired.org for more information on programs, services, and upcoming events.

Looking for additional resources?  For funded programs and services that help to build healthy, independent, and successful children and families, check out buildingfamilies.net.  Access to community resources in Hamilton, Humboldt, Wright, and Webster Counties are provided for free in a resource directory (available in English and Spanish), which is available at http://www.communitylinksforfamilies.org.  Teen-friendly resources can be accessed here.

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2016

Youth PSA Challenge Flyer

$300 Cash Prize available for 2016 Youth PSA Challenge Winner
Challenge released to 7^TH-12^TH Grade Youth in Hamilton, Humboldt, & Wright Counties for Teen Empowerment Month

The Bee Inspired Community Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CAPP) Program through Building Families encourages 7^th -12^th grade students; or youth ages 13-18 that live or attend school in Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright County; to take an active role in empowering their peers to make healthy informed decisions through education and community awareness.

We are calling all future writers, directors, actors, actresses, musicians, and/or artists to take part in the Youth Public Service Announcement (PSA) Challenge.  The contest is part of our recognition of Teen Empowerment Month in May. Peer to peer messages can be very powerful, and are an important prevention tool.  The contest is designed for youth in the tri-county area to develop video messages, radio clips, photography, music, art, poetry, or some other form of medium that are creative, unique, medically accurate, age-appropriate, and meet the challenge criteria.  Topics may include (but are not limited to) getting the facts, setting limits, being safe and protected, healthy relationships, teen health, sexual responsibility, STD or pregnancy prevention, resisting pressure(s), accessing resources, having conversations with approachable adults, or other sexual health topics.  The challenge is ultimately a creative means for youth to share their voice, and encourage their peers to avoid risky behaviors that could lead to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Local classrooms, after-school programs, individuals, and/or groups of youth are eligible to enter the Youth PSA Challenge.  Entries are due by 4pm on May 27, 2016.  The winning entry will have the chance to win a $300 cash prize, a $150 second place prize, and a $50 prize for third place. All winning entries will be recognized by the Bee Inspired CAPP Program prior to June 15th.

May is Teen Empowerment Month, a time to highlight the importance of education, access and empowerment to help teens take control of their sexual health in a way that is normalized and not stigmatized. This month, schools and health organizations across Iowa, including Bee Inspired, will be hosting awareness campaigns and activities to encourage teens to become informed about healthy relationships and responsible sexual decision making.  This PSA Challenge is just one of the many activities lined up for the awareness month.  For more information on Teen Empowerment Month, check out www.eyesopeniowa.org.

For more information on the challenge, how to enter, or additional activities in the tri-county area during Teen Empowerment Month; please contact Tiffany Larson with the Bee Inspired CAPP Program at beeinspiredcapprogram@gmail.com or visit www.bee-inspired.org.

Each entry must submit the following forms:

Youth PSA Challenge Agreements-2016
Media Consent Form-BI 2016

Tips for parents, caregivers, and other adults to share with teens about having a SAFER, SOBER, & FUN Prom!

• Encourage them to get the facts & talk to them about how to protect themselves!
• Encourage them to set their limits & stick to them!
• Empower them to communicate with your date about THEIR expectations!
• Remind them to RESPECT their date!
• Motivate them to be ABOVE THE INFLUENCE …of drugs, alcohol, bullying, peer pressure, partner pressure, & other risky behaviors!
• Share with them the 4 B’s for beating Peer Pressure: Bee Prepared, Bee True To Yourself, Bee Firm, & Bee Inspired to ask for help when you need it!
• Remind them that refusal & negotiation skills like S.T.O.P (Say No, Talk It Out, Offer An Explanation, & Provide Alternatives) can help them get out of sticky situations, and help keep them safe!
• Emphasize the importance of checking in: set up a game plan with teens on when they should check in (whether that is when they arrive at their destination, whenever YOU agree for occasional check-ins, if plans change, if they are running late, what their post-prom plans are, or if they need a ride for ANY reason).
• Encourage them to RELAX, BE SAFE, STAY SOBER, & HAVE FUN!!

For additional tips visit cdc.gov/family/prom