Students Advocating Life without Substance Abuse

S.A.L.S.A. (Students Advocating Life without Substance Abuse) is a program in which high school students act as positive role models for younger students in the community by promoting healthy drug-free lifestyles. The members visit schools and other communities where youth gather across the Boston area and put on informative presentations about the dangers of drugs and alcohol while reassuring the younger crowd that you can still be cool if you say “No.” The presentations foster an open forum for discourse about all issues younger youth might have for the high school leaders.

S.A.L.S.A. has a paid summer term as well as a school year term. The program begins with an intensive training period where youth develop original skits and prepare their future presentations. During this time, S.A.L.S.A. leaders develop leadership and presentation skills while looking forward to serving their community. Additionally, S.A.L.S.A. leaders learn entrepreneurial skills by essentially running the program with adult supervision.

The goals of S.A.L.S.A. are to:

• Provide reinforcement to students who have made a healthy decision to refrain from alcohol and other drug use.
• Train students to be role models and leaders for younger students, peers, their school, and their communities.
• Train students to make presentations in the community and be advocates for healthy lifestyles.
• Reinforce the Student Leader’s commitment to health and non-use, thus strengthening his or her own protective factors.
• Strengthen academic motivation and performance of students through peer mentoring opportunities.

"I want to be able to give kids, especially my younger sister, a positive influence that many of them don't have in their lives. Also, I want to show kids that you can be a successful teen without drinking or using drugs." S.A.L.S.A. Youth Leader

"I want to participate in S.A.L.S.A. so I could keep myself from gaining bad habits." S.A.L.S.A. Youth Leader

"I choose not to use because I'm on the fast-track to becoming a lawyer and drugs will only slow me down." S.A.L.S.A. Youth Leader

"I choose not to use because I have to set a good example for my little sister." S.A.L.S.A. Youth Leader

If you or your high school age youth wants to become involved in S.A.L.S.A. or if you would like S.A.L.S.A. leaders to present at your after school program or community center, call Lesley at 617-265-7170, ext 306