1. Talking about Risk and Protective Factors Related to Health and Community Development Issues

2. What are risk and protective factors?
Risk and protective factors make it more likely or less likely that a person will experience a given problem.

3. Risk factors for adolescent substance abuse
Economic deprivation.
Availability of substances.
Family history of drug abuse.
Academic failure.
Having friends who use drugs.

4. Protective factors for adolescent substance abuse
Bonding with non-users.
Skills training.
Healthy beliefs and clear standards.

5. Why should you talk about risk and protective factors?
Focus on prevention.
Focus on costs.
Focus on benefits.
Focus on awareness.

6. How do you talk about risk and protective factors?
Determine the important risk and protective factors for your issue.
Document each risk or protective factor.
Decide what you want to achieve.

7. Decide exactly what you want to achieve by talking about risk and protective factors:
Enhance knowledge.
Convince people to take action.

8. How do you talk about risk and protective factors?
Choose your battle.
Know your audience, and tailor your message to those with whom you are communicating.
Think about what else you are saying.
Decide what form of communication is most appropriate and feasible.
Evaluate what you have done.