Program Overview

The North Carolina Governor's Office of Substance Abuse Policy initiated a yearlong, statewide Girl Power! campaign designed to help girls make positive decisions, mature from childhood to adolescence, and remain healthy and drug free. The campaign was kicked off at the North Carolina "Prevention for the 90's: Next Step for Youth" conference in May 1998.

The conference included a proclamation from Governor James B. Hunt declaring May 6, 1998, Girl Power! Day in North Carolina. Girl Power! public service announcements featuring Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes were premiered at the event. The conference featured a youth forum, "Youth Speak Out on Underage Drinking," in which teens participated in a roundtable discussion with parents about the causes of underage drinking. Special guest Dr. Ruth Sanchez-Way, Director, Division of State and Community Systems Development, CSAP, presented a letter of congratulations from First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Dr. Sanchez-Way and LaVerne Bolling, membership and program consultant for the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., presented two workshops on the national Girl Power! campaign. Other activities included lectures, open forums, and workshops on issues related to drug and alcohol prevention.

Program Format

Responding to trends noted in research available from prevention, treatment, and juvenile justice sources, the Governor's Office recognized a clear and urgent need to reach out to the girls in the state of North Carolina. The Governor's Office on Substance Abuse Policy took the lead in coordinating a statewide partnership to implement the yearlong campaign. The objectives of the campaign are to:

*Mobilize communities to respond effectively and appropriately to the unique needs of young girls and create a nurturing environment that promotes healthy growth in adolescence.

*Provide girls with the appropriate guidance and education they need to increase their skills and confidence.

*Support girls and help them perform well academically and remain interested in school.

*Encourage girls to delay sexual activity.

A coalition of public, private, and community organizations throughout the state meet regularly to plan and coordinate the campaign. These "power partners" are committed to:

*Contributing to girls' future career and family roles in a productive and responsible manner.

*Providing opportunities for girls to give back through community service.

*Ensuring positive life opportunities and cultural competence.

*Including girls in the planning and implementation of the effort.

*Involving key leaders who are in a position to make a difference in effecting positive change.

The yearlong campaign is designed around monthly themes and concepts. Members of the "power partners" are responsible for implementing outreach efforts each month. For example, the North Carolina Safe and Drug-Free Schools program worked with schools and other community-based organizations to coordinate back-to-school efforts in September. Activities included technical assistance for teachers across the state and special initiatives for girls involved in local Safe and Drug-Free Schools programs.

Media Outreach

The Governor's Office has done solid media outreach, including issuing two press releases¾one preceding the kickoff conference and one providing followup information. The Girl Power! public service announcements featuring Dominique Dawes continue to be used in cooperation with media efforts coordinated through the Partnership for a Drug-Free North Carolina. Local and state organizations among the "power partners" involve the media as each segment of the campaign unfolds.

Funding

The "power partners" provide funding for the Girl Power! campaign. Lead partners are responsible for raising the funds for the projects and programs conducted during their month.

Use of Girl Power! Products

The Girl Power! products provide the "power partners" with excellent outreach materials to gain the attention of girls and motivate them to participate in the campaign. Girl Power! information packets have been widely distributed and used to raise awareness about the campaign. The Dominique Dawes posters have been especially popular because of the role the public service announcements played in the kickoff of the campaign.