FRIDAY NIGHT Ventura County
History The California Friday Night Live (FNL) Program was developed in 1984. It began as a pilot program dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by teen motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. By 1990, the number of counties with the FNL Program had increased 300% and the main focus of the program began to shift from one of preventing drinking and driving among teens to promoting healthy lifestyles free of alcohol, tobacco, or other substance abuse among youth. http://www.fridaynightlive.org/
Ventura County ATODV community education Service to the community Positive, alternative activities County-wide youth leadership conference Numbers Don’t Lie poster campaign Alcohol Billboard Project Alcohol Retail Assessments Beach cleanups Blood drive Social activities
Friday Night Live Standards of Practice
A Safe Environment
Community Engagement
Leadership Decision Making Voice and Self Worth Taking Action (for self and others) Leadership
Meaningful Relationships
Skill Development
Ventura County Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Acts as an advisory to the FNL programs established within Ventura County. Open to all youth in grades 7-12. All meetings, activities, and events are planned by youth and for youth. There is a YAC Alumni group comprised of former YAC members ages 18 and above.
Example Projects
Billboard Project Oxnard and Santa Paula
Billboard Project Ventura County FNL Member expressed a desire to address billboards advertising alcohol Support from the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, Prevention Services Two targeted areas – Oxnard and Santa Paula Three assessments cycles completed
Assessments Size Commercial, Residential, or Historic areas? Area Demographics Environmental Factors (near a school park, youth center, etc.) Message Number of total billboards and alcohol-related billboards nearby
Next Steps Approached both city councils and requested to be placed on future agenda
Boys & Girls Club Locations of billboards assessed and some nearby youth-sensitive locations.
Overview of billboard locations with 500 foot radius indicated.
Main St. & 4th St.
Isbell Middle School is an example of a school within the 500 foot radius. Clinicas and Baskin Robbins are examples of common family-oriented destinations to also take into special consideration. Main St. & 4th St.
Annual Youth Conference
Planned and organized by youth Local keynote speakers Youth-focused workshops Open to all youth countywide grades 7-12 No cost event!
? Questions?
Some Context
For more info: Gabe Teran Project Specialist Friday Night Live 805-437-1374 gteran@vcoe.org vcfridaynightlive.org
Thank you very much! Made Possible through Funding from the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, Alcohol and Drug Programs and the Ventura County Office of Education