MISSION
Friday Night Live (FNL) provides opportunities for positive and healthy youth development by engaging youth as active leaders and resources in their communities.
FOCUS
Engaging youth as active leaders in substance use prevention.
PROGRAM HISTORY
In 1984, FNL began in Sacramento, California as a response to the number of youth-related injuries and deaths caused by alcohol-related automobile crashes. The name Friday Night Live came about because most youth alcohol-related crashes occur on Friday nights between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Today, the program has evolved from an anti-drinking and driving program to one that engages youth in meaningful activities and opportunities to develop competencies and skills that prepare them for work and adult life, helping them build relationships and community connections. FNL programs are currently implemented throughout California.
FNL Overview Handout
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Youth involved with FNL will experience:
A safe environment
Opportunities for community and school engagement
Opportunities for leadership and advocacy
Opportunities to build caring and meaningful relationships with peers and adults
Opportunities to engage in interesting and relevant skill development activities
FNL Standards of Practice Handout
SUPPORTING RESEARCH
Research shows that providing high quality youth development opportunities fosters the prevention of at-risk behaviors, including substance abuse and violence, while supporting young people to stay in school and achieve positive outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Youth involved in FNL programs have the opportunity to participate in safe environments with qualified adult advisors who help them develop meaningful skills and resilient traits.
99% of youth reported that being in FNL helped them develop leadership skills.
96% of youth reported that being in FNL increased their school engagement.
99% of youth reported their involvement in FNL helped them to decide to do other things instead of using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
99% of youth reported they supported other youth to make healthy choices that did not involve alcohol or other drugs.
