Ride with pride: a positive behavior program to reduce substance abuse and promote safe choices. - ride with pride DFC project abstract summary through the making of meaningful relationships, the ride…

Ride with pride: a positive behavior program to reduce substance abuse and promote safe choices. - ride with pride DFC project abstract summary through the making of meaningful relationships, the ride with pride (RWP) coalition aims to empower positive and safe choices among youth. Education and other prevention activities will enable informed choices that avoid the dangers of alcohol, E-cigarettes, and other dangerous drugs. Over time, a positive culture will develop in order to make our community resilient. Nspd is seeking $125,000 of yearly DFC funding to partially fund a RWP project coordinator, fund supplies, and evaluate current efforts to better reduce substance use within muskegon county. We know that every behavior has a message or need behind IT. Our students need to be guided toward positive behaviors and safe choices. The RWP coalition combines law enforcement, educators, business leaders, and other representatives from all sectors of society for one thing, our youth. This common goal, this unified approach, this lifelong impact, is designed to connect with students K-12. Students begin the year (currently in nine school districts throughout muskegon county) with a RWP kick-off event. They sign a basic "positive behavior and safe driving pledge" that encourages abiding by their school's positive behavior matrix, abstain from alcohol and other drug use, and travel safely on the roads (driving or simply wearing a bike helmet for younger students). Throughout the school year, regular preventative events are carried out by police, staff, and volunteers to teach students about the dangers of substance use and promote the benefits of substance abstinence. Additionally, materials are distributed (like books, cartoons, and other media) that can help reinforce these lessons. The year is then capped off by major school wide assemblies. Positive behavior throughout the year is recognized and at the high school level, one lucky winner in each building is rewarded with a nearly new car. This electric atmosphere can be felt all year long and throughout the community. These efforts would not be possible without our robust collaboration and unifying efforts. If fortunate enough to receive DFC funding, IT is hoped that we will be better prepared to counteract the negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic which has had ripple effects in the realms of substance abuse and dangerous life choices.