Applying the techniques used in the A.D.A.P.T. Opinion Leader project, Teen A.D.A.P.T. began in 1997 with a grant from the Colin Higgins Foundation.
The program includes information and dangers that are specific for gay youth, in addition to the information presented to adult opinion leaders. The training includes skills-building activities, communication techniques, and condom demonstrations. Since the project began, MAPP has successfully trained dozens of g/l/b/t youth at several agencies in Michigan.
The Teen A.D.A.P.T. Field Guide serves as a handy, easy-to-use manual for teen peer educators. The Guide includes ideas to start conversations with others, signs of substance abuse, unique barriers to safer behaviors, statistical information, and resources.
MAPP developed youth materials including posters, print advertising and postcards. The “Out. Proud. Sober.” campaign capitalizes on the adolescent rebellion that is especially inherent in gay youth by saying ‘Rebel against the people who want you to stay in the closet, and rebel against those who are trying to talk you into experimenting with alcohol or drugs.’
Postcards are advantageous because their size allows them to be easily carried and shared from teen to teen. They can be posted in lockers or bulletin boards, and can be kept with books. Postcards also provide an additional opportunity to inform the target population as resources for gay/lesbian support services and substance abuse programs can be listed on the reverse side of the photograph image.
Copyright © 1999-2004 Midwest AIDS Prevention Project. All rights
reserved.
Revised: January 12, 2004
.