Narconon Peer Leadership Training Program
It is a fact that peer pressure is a tremendous force in determining individual behavior. At Narconon we learned early on that peer training would go a long way to solving problems of drug abuse long before it starts. Peer leaders are a tremendous resource, and with the proper training are very effective in educating their peers on substance abuse and other subjects.
In order to take advantage of this fact the Narconon Peer Leader Training Program has been developed and refined over many years. Students are trained on the skills which enable them to become competent leaders amongst their peers. They are, additionally, trained in the methods of drug abuse prevention. Combining these skills they are then encouraged to take an active role in working with their peers to combat substance abuse. The first, and most important thing which is accomplished in this program is the instillation of a true desire to help their fellows. Once this is accomplished the peer trainee is taught how to show that life is better without drugs. This is accomplished through a series of exercises and lessons in communication and listening skills. Training in the nurturing of interpersonal relationships and means of relaying information on alcohol and other drugs to other children in such a way as to have that information absorbed and inspected is stressed.
As with any other pursuit involving relationships with others, the development of excellent communication skills is paramount. Our students participate in training exercises aimed at increasing ability to capture and focus attention, face and address issues they might otherwise shy away from, develop and sharpen listening skills, relay communication accurately and effectively. All of this depends on one most important factor – the peer leader must have his own confidence level raised to one of complte certainty.
Before being designated a Peer Leader the student is required to demonstrate complete competence in the relay of information to their peers.
The second segment of the drug education training program involves gaining learning skills which enhance the student’s ability to work with people of different ages and literacy levels so that they can overcome the barriers to communicating information to them.
No two programs are identical in content. Each program is specifically tailored to the needs of the particular group, taking into consideration such factors as the group’s purpose, goals and activities. Emphasis is placed on creating a more functional group that will become, and remain more active in the school and community. The above skills are then applied to the specific theme of the program. Some of the specialized programs available are:
- Leadership skills and positive role models
- Conducting effective community projects
- Alcohol and drug education
- Violence prevention and mitigation
- Public speaking
Drug Educator Training Workshops
In addition to its peer training programs, Narconon also provides training programs for drug educators. Narconon objectives were developed to provide skills involving the primary methods and tools used in the Narconon program, so that professional educators can take advantage of the classroom setting in imparting proper, effective drug abuse education to their students.
More comprehensive training is also available at the Narconon International Drug Rehab Training Center, located in Canadian, Oklahoma.