Friday Night Live (FNL) provides the opportunity for youth, in grades 4-12, to develop leadership skills, build positive adult and peer relationships, and contribute to building a safe and healthy community.
CHAPTERS
Chapters consist of a group of young people, along with an adult advisor, who work together to make a positive change in their schools and communities. The chapter is youth-driven and youth-led, serving as the center of communication, training, and learning opportunities. Chapter members follow a project-based approach to work on substance use prevention projects, which includes discussion/research, planning, implementation, and reflection. OCFNLP staff provides ongoing technical assistance to support chapter development and projects.
OUTREACH
The FNL program seeks to involve young people from various backgrounds, communities, and environments. Chapter members often participate in Club Rush, post on social media, develop posters, conduct presentations, or implement other means of promotion to generate youth interest in FNL and increase awareness on substance use prevention topics. FNL chapters also extend outreach to community members giving youth the opportunity to build meaningful partnerships.
PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships are built by adults who provide guidance, peers who provide support, and community organizations that value youth and provide them a role in making permanent and impactful change within their communities. In this arena, adults recognize youth as leaders and as a positive force for change.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Skill development occurs while youth participate in countywide and site level training, develop chapter goals, and plan school and community prevention projects. These meaningful opportunities build skills in relevant areas such as leadership, organization, health education and prevention strategies, and life skills.
OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities for youth include involvement in school and community activities that are positive alternatives to alcohol and other drug use. Through these activities youth explore and discuss issues that contribute to youth substance use or other problem behaviors. To address these issues, chapter members aim to develop projects that create positive, long lasting change. Through this process, youth develop a sense of bonding and connection to their schools and communities.
