Power of Peers

Mission ~ to educate, inspire, and promote a drug-free lifestyle today for the leaders of tomorrow. 

Who are they?

• Peer Leaders are students who want to make a difference in their schools and communities
• They care about others
• They understand that most of their peers do not to use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
• They feel it is important to take a public stand against substance use

What do they do?

• Educate their peers about the effects of underage drinking and illegal drug use
• Work together with the community to establish a new norm that does not include underage drinking and illegal drug use
• Act as role models who encourage others to make positive choices and be leaders
• Work on prevention strategies within their schools and communities
• Speak with community and school leaders regarding important issues
• Build their skills and resumes
• Attend leadership trainings/camps 

Some examples of activities POP activities include:

• Classroom Presentations at Alton Middle School
• Madison County Youth Forum (county-wide event)
• Youth Speak Out (Alton/Godfrey event)
• Assist with social media efforts
• Media and Marketing Campaigns
• Poster Presentations
• Skits, songs & videos
• Lunch and Learn sessions at Alton High School
• Red Ribbon Week activities (October)
• National Drug Facts Week activities (January)
• Opportunities to influence school and community leaders
• Community Service Activities
• Mentoring Programs
• Homecoming and/or Prom Week activities

Peer Leaders Also:

• Give information about underage drinking and substance abuse
• Help others learn crucial life skills such as assertiveness, problem solving, and stress management.
• Help their peers understand that most high school students do not use alcohol or other drugs.
• Lead discussion about, suggest, and implement alternatives to using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
• Assist in solving problems
• Are good communicators
• Act as positive role models for fellow peers and younger students
• Provide support for teens as they learn new ideas, behaviors, information, techniques, etc.
• Point peers dealing with problems in the right direction

What Peer Leaders Do NOT Do:

• Do NOT provide counseling or intervention for fellow teens
• Do NOT use ATOD under any circumstances
• Do NOT judge other teen’s choices, but do encourage them to make healthy choices