What is the "Hit A Home Run Against Drugs" Program?

Hit A Home Run Against Drugs is a drug prevention program for elementary school children. Its mission is to promote healthy lifestyle choices among our nation’s youth by empowering them with knowledge and self-esteem to prevent tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse.  Home Run Against Drugs also involves guest appearances from major and minor league baseball players at the school assemblies.  These star studded events will be sure to bring out the press and many sponsors.  Please read on!

Homer is the mascot of the Home Run Against Drugs program. We wanted to create an identity that children can associate with, and that would serve as our "mascot". Children respond to animation, and to create a fun, educational character that could interact with the children made sense. 

The concept of the S.T.R.I.K.E. Force is to develop a "team" approach to delivering the "Home Run Against Drugs" message. S.T.R.I.K.E. is an acronym for Start Teaching Resistance In Kids Early! The idea was to create a "supporting cast" of members for "Homer". This "team" will consist of professional athletes, community leaders, parents, educators and of course kids!  Eventually, the S.T.R.I.K.E. Force will contain other animated characters (from other sports) that can interact with "Homer" through video, multimedia, and print media. The idea was to create a sense of "membership" that each child is a member of the same team as a celebrity.

How can the program be funded?

Funding will be provided through private donations, grants, and fund raising efforts by the Young Readers Couincil.  

How is the "Home Run Against Drugs Program" delivered?

The program is primarily assembly based. Volunteers can work with the school or organization to deliver our message with groups of children, ages 4-10. The program consists of delivering basic principles on goal setting, self-esteem, health and nutrition, substance use and abuse, and legal consequences. Homer is brought in to interact with some role-playing. There is follow up curriculum available that can be used in a classroom setting.  This curriculum will include activities and lessons expanding on the message delivered in the assembly program. 

Home Run Against Drugs  will participate in community events and children’s events  to be as visible as possible. Homer has already participated in school fairs, spring flings, Colonial Mall’s Family Fridays, and the City of Mobile’s Bienville Kids Days. Home Run Against Drugs will work with corporate sponsors to create events such as the "Home Run Derby" and Celebrity Softball Events. There are plans to develop a national identity with Homer, the mascot, by having him participate in the professional sports venues throughout the country.  At these events, our focus is to generate awareness of "Homer" and the "Hit A Home Run Against Drugs" message, and to deliver materials such as baseball cards and coloring books and personalized books to kids furnished by sponsors.  We will also have actual baseball stars from the Major and Minor baseball leagues present at the school assemblies, kicking off the programs with Homer.  We are already negotiating with ball players and team owners now.  Since Home Run Against Drugs is a non profit organization, we expect teams and players to participate.   This format does raise the level of excitement and positive impact for the children.   Best of all, Homer has been invited back next year 

Curriculum for the
"Homer and Me"
Assembly Program 

Here is a portion of that Curriculum

The Hit A Home Run Against Drugs™ Program is designed to work within the structure of youth organizations, elementary schools, and community based events. The information included in this booklet is intended to give direction and guidance to those wishing to implement the program or provide follow-up through their organization.

Our mission:

To promote healthy lifestyle choices among our nation’s youth by empowering them with knowledge and self-esteem to prevent tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse.

The Home Run Against Drugs campaign is specifically designed to appeal to a wide variety of sports enthusiasts, communities, families, children, sponsors, promoters, and law enforcement agencies. By design, it is structured to deliver important information and education pertaining to drug prevention skills for children ages 4-10. It also allows for creativity and flexibility to make the event fit any community, school-based, or youth sports event.

The campaign’s goal is to promote drug prevention and awareness while fostering relationships between children, their parents, and other role models such as educators and professional athletes.

The mascot "Homer" allows for the program to establish an easily recognizable identity a that will remind children on sight of the message: "Be A Slugger…Hit A Home Run Against Drugs!"

Drug abuse has become a major problem in the United States. Children have become ever increasingly involved in the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Unfortunately, the drug dealers in the world have become relentless in their pursuit of new ways to market and sell their deadly products. In addition, children are exposed to television shows where alcohol and tobacco use among young people is considered "trendy". We, as parents and educators, must also find innovative new approaches to deliver important lessons and life skills to our youth.

The onset of alcohol and drug abuse is occurring at ever-earlier ages. Research shows that children are being exposed to alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use as early as 8 or 9 years old. The ability to educate and prevent, or at least delay the use of "gateway drugs" such as marijuana and alcohol, offers the best chance of helping a child stay drug free and healthy. Studies have shown that the later the onset, the less damage sustained by the user.

Some statistics:

· By the time children graduate from high school, 38 percent of boys and 34 percent of girls have tried illicit drugs.

· One treatment program reported that almost 50 percent of its participants admit to using drugs before the age of 12.

· 51 percent of sixth graders experience peer pressure to drink beer, wine or liquor.

· 4 out of 10 kids have tried cigarettes and 6 percent are smoking daily.

What are the effects of alcohol and drug use among young people? While there are many obvious negative consequences, the use of these substances affects the child’s’ ability to perform at optimum levels in virtually all areas of life. Socially, a child may withdraw from friends and family. They may begin to take negative risks with their health. Loss of interest in schoolwork and hobbies are certainly signs of possible misuse. The effects are far reaching and touch not only the individual child, but family and friends as well.

Less obvious, but very serious, are the physical consequences. Young, developing bodies and brains are highly susceptible to the effects of damage caused by drugs and alcohol, and tobacco use. Liver damage, brain damage, AIDS, and even death are occurring as a result of youth using drugs everyday.

Unfortunately, children may begin to use these substances to allow them to deal with problems or social discomfort or quite possibly just to fit in. At a time in life when they should be developing coping skills and learning to deal with problems, they learn to turn towards these substances as an escape from the situation.

There are several factors that can help to protect young people against drug abuse:

1. A healthy respect for the value of their minds and bodies

2. Goals to give meaning to their desire to stay drug-free and healthy

3. High self-esteem

4. A positive outlook

5. Decision making skills

6. An understanding of the harmful effects of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use

7. Personal responsibility and understanding personal & legal consequences

8. Refusal skills

9. Positive relationships with family, school, and community

Through the use of "Homer" and the S.T.R.I.K.E Force, we can work to develop a sense of belonging to parents, children and educators to bond together to prevent drug use. Children will become familiar with "Homer" as a celebrity and will learn from him through video and curriculum based programs like this one. "Homer" will be a role model for younger children to identify with the positive aspects of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

The S.T.R.I.K.E. Force will actually be an ongoing membership of children, parents, community leaders and professional athletes, working together to form a team. This team will coordinate and participate in events and activities to spread the word to

The Hit A Home Run Against Drugs program is designed to be presented in several formats. All appearances, assemblies, and school-based programs are designed to follow the same basic guidelines by allowing Homer and the uniformed S.T.R.I.K.E. Force members to be a visible part of the program selected.

The Hit A Home Run Against Drugs program can be an important part of a youth baseball clinic. Children and parents typically work together in these clinics, and the opportunity to instill the importance of staying healthy and drug free can certainly be emphasized in this environment. These clinics can be coordinated with the involvement of local colleges or high schools, and are a great way to involve members of the youth organization in the commitment to follow the drug free lifestyle for themselves and their children.

Home Run Against Drugs has successfully been implemented in elementary schools where an assembly of children receives a 40-minute introduction to the Home Run Against Drugs Message and also the "Homer and Me personalized Book. There is active role-playing pertaining to goal setting and the format is largely interactive for the children. The introduction of "Homer" is certainly the highlight of the event, allowing children to see and meet Homer, and to learn what he represents. A follow up curriculum has been established to allow further reinforcement of the principles learned while in the assembly. Each child will receive a work book and the facilitator may teach the modules pertaining to each curriculum strand. The model of a baseball diamond is used and each child will receive a sticker to place on the diamond to display their progress towards their goal of reaching Home Plate and hitting a Home Run! Each module completion takes him or her step by step from being "On Deck" to reaching each base and home plate safely. At the completion of the program, each child receives a certificate of accomplishment and membership into the S.T.R.I.K.E. Force, a worthy accomplishment!

"Homer" and the S.T.R.I.K.E. Force members are available for community events to provide visibility and interaction between the children and the character. Typically, these events allow for the "Homer" baseball card to be distributed to the children and encourage them to visit the website for interactive opportunities with Homer. This also provides opportunities for corporate sponsors to acknowledge their support through providing give-away items for the children at these events.

Home Run Against Drugs Public Service Announcements are in development for use on Television and Radio, which will support and promote the "Hit A Home Run Against Drugs!" Message and "Homer".

An important element in the campaign is the involvement of local or national celebrity athletes who serve as positive role models to promote a drug-free lifestyle. There will also be members of the S.T.R.I.K.E. Force available to talk with children where there is a need for a speaker. The emphasis of these role models is to stress the importance of focusing on health, values, goals, and achievement.

The S.T.R.I.K.E. Force concept allows for children, parents, teens, and other interested parties to become a part of the team. The idea of being a part of something and making a difference will also provide for mentoring through adults and teens that enjoy working with youth. The concept also allows for highly visible members of the community to state their involvement through Public Service Announcements stating "I am a member of the S.T.R.I.K.E. Force, are you?"

Homer will also be working to form partnerships with Major League, Minor League, and Little League organizations nationally to generate interest and exposure to large National corporations. These events are highly visible and allow Homer to generate tremendous popularity at large, and possibly televised events. This will add even more "celebrity" status to the character adding value to the appearances we make at local and regional levels.

Explanation of the Home Run Against Drugs Program and its message, and a definition of our mission statement and objectives.

1.Introduction to the "Homer" character and his message, "Be A Slugger…Hit A Home Run Against Drugs.

2. Visual of the "Baseball Diamond" Model and steps to reach the goal of reaching Home Plate.

3. Achievement is recognized by awarding of a certificate of accomplishment and membership into the S.T.R.I.K.E. Force.

Topic Covered: You are important!

Students will:

A. Define Self- Esteem.

B. Understand the value of their abilities and their bodies.

C. Identify things that they can do.

D. Learn the Million Dollar Model.

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Topic Covered: Goals and Goal Setting

Students will:

A. Learn the value and develop an understanding of goals.

B. Understand the goal setting process

C. Identify personal goals.

D. Practice applying the Goal Setting Model to personal goals.

 

 

 

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Topic Covered: Take Care of Yourself

Students will:

A. Review the Million Dollar Model.

B. Following the "Going on a trip" discussion, understand their bodies and minds and how they are their vehicles to get them to their goals.

C. Learn the value of exercise and nutrition through discussion.

D. Learn some basic exercises and how they help the body.

E. Learn and identify the effects of alcohol, tobacco, or drug abuse on the body.

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Topic Covered: Drug Identification and Classification

Topic Covered: Learning to Say No (Refusal Skills and Decision Making)

Topic Covered: Consequences and Review

Topic Covered: You Are Important!

When we talk about a child’s self-esteem, we are talking about how a child feels about him or herself. In the past, educators relied on the family to provide children with positive self-esteem. These days, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Parents and educators must work together to develop a strong sense of self-worth to a child. Unfortunately, in many instances, a child is faced with a family life that may actually encourage the development of a low self-esteem. Even children who come from a relatively stable environment are exposed to violence, anger, stress, drugs, and poverty. They are exposed in their own neighborhoods and through the media.

Research indicates that a child with a high self-esteem is less likely to engage in self-destructive behavior such as illegal drug use. A child that feels good about themselves do not need to use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco to make friends or fit in social groups. They are also less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of dealing with problems.

The following Lesson Plan encourages positive self-esteem and helps children to engage in discussions and activities that promote self-worth and value to their bodies and minds.

Define Self-Esteem.

Understand the value of their abilities and their bodies.

Identify things they can do.

Learn and apply the Million Dollar Model to themselves.

30-45 Minutes

The "Homer" Activity/Workbook

Colors

Poster board

Markers

Self-Esteem - The way that a person feels about himself or herself; a feeling of value and self-worth.

Art - Children can create posters of things they can do or enjoy doing They may draw, or paste pictures of themselves doing things in a collage format.

Social Studies or Language Arts - Students may develop stories about the things they can do to go along with their posters. Older students 4-6 may write essays about " What makes me special?"

Definition of Self-Esteem (8-10 Minutes)

1. Introduce the students to the topic by asking the question, "What is Self-Esteem?"

2. Work with the class to develop a definition and then write that definition on the board for discussion.

3. Point out that there is Good self-esteem and Bad self-esteem. Good self-esteem is when a person feels good about themselves and enjoys being with people. Bad self-esteem is when we don’t feel very good about ourselves and we aren’t sure of how other people feel about us.

4. Ask the group to give stories about something they have done that made them feel good about themselves.

 

Why Am I Special? (5-10 Minutes)

1. Ask the group to finish the phrase, " I am important because____________".

2. Have the group complete the activity in the workbook "Homer and Me".

 

The Million-Dollar Model (8-10 Minutes)

1. Introduce children to the Million Dollar Model Concept by asking the question, "If someone wanted to buy you, how much would you be worth?"

2. Explain how there is only one person like them and that they are unique and irreplaceable. That there is no amount of money that could ever buy them a new arm or leg, or the ability to see.

3. Have students make up a skit with one child as the salesman and the others as the subjects of a "Sale".

4. Have students discuss how they can keep their Million Dollar Bodies Healthy. They may complete the activity in the workbook entitled "Keeping my Million Dollar Mind!" by circling things that might hurt their bodies.

 

Activity: Things that I can do (10-15 minutes) Optional Homework

1. Have students create a mini-poster of things that they can do. It could be drawings, cutout pictures, or actual photos of them doing something they can do, and enjoy doing.

2. Have children ask their parents to help them identify things they do well as part of the project.

 

1. Teach the children the following positive affirmations; even help them make up their own!

A. "I am a winner!"

B. "There’s only one me, and I’m the best me I can be!"

C. "I will stay drug free to reach my goals!"

 

Self-esteem and self-worth are an important part of a child’s ability to strive to reach goals in their lives. It also plays a major role in helping them overcome difficult situations. In our next lesson, we will build upon the self-esteem principles taught in this lesson to help identify goals. We will also reference the Million Dollar Model at points during the rest of the program.

The rest of the Curriculum is as detailed as the first module.