Perceptions are (Nearly) Everything

Does it often seem that everyone in your social network seems extremely overworked with schedules packed to the brim? Or that politics and football are becoming the two biggest priorities for others? These mindsets are simply perceptions, and we have the power to control our priorities, reactions, and attitude. For example, when a major life event occurs (birth, death, marriage, divorce, graduation, etc.) we have the choice on how to respond. We can choose whether to see the event in a positive light or a negative light. We can look at the event as a tragedy, perhaps as an opportunity, or maybe even a learning experience. Perceptions go a long way with human beings. Particularly through adolescence, humans seem to be swayed by their perception of the "norm", or normative behaviors of peers. One avenue this plays out in our backyard is through substance use behaviors and perceptions among Eagle County young people. As one concrete example, the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey administered in 2011 to over 2,300 local students showed that 27% of high school students binge drink (defined as 5 or more alcoholic drinks at one time). The perception of drinking is drastically different, with 72% of local high school students thinking that their peers binge drink. With this misalignment, there is a misperception of what is actually going on. Eagle County Schools Bright Future Foundation CSU Extension Samaritan Center of the Rockies The Literacy Project Red Ribbon Project Eagle Valley Alliance For Sustainability Avon Police Department Early Childhood Partners 1st Bank Eagle County Prevention Committee Suicide Prevention Coalition of Eagle Valley Eagle Valley Library District Vail Valley Salvation Army Girl Scouts of Colorado The Youth Foundation Starting Hearts Walking Mountains

What can one do to help align misperceptions with reality? Focus on the facts. This month, a positive social marketing campaign will be unveiled at local schools to promote real, positive data. Look for Lung Cancer Awareness Month messages such as the following, and encourage young people to Click HERE for more info. value the facts. COPD Awareness Month 7 out of 10 Eagle County Middle Schoolers are involved in Click HERE for more info.

extracurricular activities 94% of Eagle County Middle Schoolers feel safe at their school 2 out of 3 Eagle County High Schoolers do not drink alcohol regularly

American Diabetes Month Click HERE for more info. National Adoption Month Click HERE for more info. November 15 - Great American Smokeout Click HERE for more info. November 30 is Meth Awareness Day Click HERE for more info.

And remember that one's reality is their vision, or their perception of what is going on in the world around them. We have full control over our perceptions, and therefore what we experience as our reality. ~ Michelle Hartel Stecher, Executive Director

SOS Outreach
SOS Outreach is a youth development nonprofit that builds character and self-esteem in underserved youth through programs that offer an outdoor adventure and leadership development curriculum. The mission of SOS Outreach is to inspire youth to make positive decisions for healthy and successful lives through the core values of Courage, Discipline, Integrity, Wisdom, and Compassion. These Core Values are central to our programs and operation. We are currently hiring Sherpas for the 2012/2013 season to serve as mentors to the youths in our University Program at Beaver Creek.

The Literacy Project: Tutors needed for Study Friends. Middle school students from area schools are being referred each week to our programs. If you can volunteer 1-2 hours per week over the school year, contact Kira to volunteer in Eagle or Gypsum and email Sloan or call 970949-5026 to help in Edwards, Avon and Eagle-Vail. Red Ribbon Project: In preparation for World AIDS Day on 12/1, volunteers are needed to distribute cupcakes throughout the valley as part of the education campaign, and to poster for the event at Main Street Grill. Contact Denise to help out at 970-827-5900 or via email.

The human brain reportedly becomes fully developed at age 25. Prior to full brain development children exhibit the following behaviors more coincidentally vs. consistently: * Decision making * Use of appropriate judgment * Rational thinking * Integration of emotion & critical thinking * Ability to think clearly about long-term outcomes that stem from behaviors Must be a skier or snowboarder, and must love working with kids! This is a * Global thinking vs. self-centered thinking part-time, seasonal job. Sherpas can receive compensation in the form of Below are resources for parents to learn more a season pass or $10/hr up to 60 hours. about your child's brain development.. Please join We are also looking for volunteers for the Learn to Ride programs at ERYC and the VVF's Youth Foundation on Beaver Creek and Vail if you are interested in a 5-day commitment at This is a minimum ten-day, winter-long commitment that includes five days on-hill and at least five days off-hill throughout the season. Sherpas serve as positive mentors by working with youth through the SOS core values, progressing the youth's skiing or snowboarding skills, leadership and career development training, and community service projects. Sherpas are placed with a group of participants with which they complete on-hill ride days and off-hill serve and workshop days. They are also expected to be in phone contact with their group between activity days.

Beaver Creek or Vail. Volunteers work with participants, assist throughout the skiing or snowboarding lessons, and support the SOS Core Values. To apply, contact Jacob Taddy at jtaddy@sosoutreach.org or (970) 9269292 ext. 105.

Tuesday, November 13th, from 6-8pm at WECMRD Fieldhouse for the Free Parent's Dinner & Dialogue event: Your Child's Brain - Learn more about the early childhood & adolescent brain. Early Childhood: Building Baby's Brain Early Development:: Tips & Tools Adolescent/ Teen: Inside the teenage brain Parenting and the Adolescent Brain

Parents You Matter: Dinner & Dialogue- Your Child's Brain - Learn more about the early childhood & adolescent brain
The Eagle River Youth Coalition and VVF's Youth Foundation invite you to gather with your friends and family to discuss bullying and how to take an active approach as part of our free Dinner & Dialogue series. Hear from local experts, gain valuable parenting advice, and learn about local resources. Free child care, dinner, and live Spanish translation are available. Presenters: Sharon Thompson, (Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Eagle County School District) and Matthew Brenner (Certified Counselor, Cultivation Counseling) Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Location: WECMRD Fieldhouse, Edwards Free dinner will be served. Attend 3 or more Dinner & Dialogue events and be entered to win $250 in groceries. For more information or to RSVP please call (970)748-5992 or visit eagleyouth.org.

Statistically, texting while driving: Causes nearly 25% of ALL (1,600,00) accidents and 330,000 injuries per year. Kills eleven teens EVERY DAY Is about six times more likely to cause an accident than driving intoxicated Is the same as driving after drinking four beers Is the number one driving distraction reported by teen drivers Makes you 23 times more likely to crash Is the same as driving blind for 5 seconds at a time Takes place by 800,000 drivers at any given time across the country Slows your brake reaction speed by 18%' Find out more by visiting the National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions.

ATTENTION: Parents, Administrators & Coaches...

What: Protecting our kids from Concussions Free Presentation: Student Athlete Concussions - Awareness &

November's Youth Leader Spotlight: Kayla Bruntz

Management. Panel of renowned Denver & Vail Speakers. Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Location: Battle Mountain High School Auditorium Organized by the VVMC Youth Sports Initiative. For more info visit vvmc.com or call (970) 477-5166.

Battle Mountain Senior Kayla Bruntz has personally benefited from tremendous support of others in the community, and has made it her mission to give back through a plethora of volunteer roles. When she is not managing the Battle Mountain girls soccer team, snowboarding, or working with Young Life, Bruntz serves as the Community Service Officer for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program at her school, striving to help FBLA student members recognize ways to get involved with community service. Bruntz' major FBLA project this year will be to compile a volunteer resource directory of various service sites and opportunities for high school students throughout the valley. "FBLA gives high school students experience in business, leadership and community service. Everybody needs help at some point in their life," Bruntz explains, as she and her peers work to connect teen volunteers with those in need. Bruntz' recommendation for other teens who want to get involved with their community but are unsure where or how to start is to pick something specific that they might want to do in their lives. "Talk to friends or family members that are in those fields to find a connection." Bruntz sums up her outlook by mentioning, "Over the years, many people and programs have helped me, and I welcome any opportunity to give back." Full article online at vaildaily.com

What: Red Ribbon Project will be offering FREE HIV Testing in honor of World AIDS Day (December 1). Date: Friday, November 30, 2012 Time: 11am - 7pm Location: Eagle Care Clinic in Edwards Date: Saturday, December 1 Time: 11am - 7pm Location: Colorado Mountain Medical in the Vail Hospital Walk-ins welcome, results in 10 minutes via finger prick, tests are confidential!

Girl Scout Cookies are coming to town! The wait is almost over! Girl Scout Cookie time is right around the corner. Girl Scouts will be selling their world-famous cookies in Colorado from Jan. 27 through March 3. Most popular cookie varieties are: Thin Mints Samoas Tagalongs Do-si-dos Trefoils

 Savannah Smiles Price: $3.50 a package, Benefits: Girl Scouts statewide and helps girls learn goal-setting, decision-making, money management, people skills and business ethics. For customers who have given up sweets as their New Year's Resolution, you can still support Girl Scouts by purchasing cookies for Girl Scouts Hometown Heroes/Gift of Caring program. Girls donate cookies to community heroes such as the military, firefighters, police officers, food banks and non-profit organizations. For more information click HERE.

Does your organization serve youth in our community? Would you like a chance to gain a better understanding of what youth are thinking?
The Eagle River Youth Coalition would like to invite you and your organization to sign up today for the opportunity to obtain teen/youth feedback from a group of local high school students. ERYC's Youth Leaders Council (YLC) is an excellent chance to hear thoughts, opinions, and suggestions regarding community issues effecting youth, marketing strategies, programming, and more. YLC consists of students from five local high schools, who represent youth leadership, dedication to service, and a desire to positively impact our community. ERYC invites you to take advantage of the opportunity to gain insight into local youth's perspectives, wants, and needs, thus integrating a youth voice into your work. If you would like to utilize this youth advisory board, please contact Elizabeth Wessel or 970-949-9250.

Enrollment for the 2012/2013 4-H year is now open! This includes opportunities to get involved with livestock programs, babysitting classes, science programs, and more! Looking for new members to join us for a 2013/2014 Exchange! The interstate exchange is open to Eagle County 4-H members who are: ages 13-17 years of age, have completed at least two years of 4-H interested in becoming a member of County Council willing to participate in fund raising activities can commit to two years to complete both hosting and traveling. For more info contact Jenny Wood or call 970-328-8631.

Family Leadership Training Institute

The first Eagle County Family Leadership Training Institute will begin in January. This is a free opportunity for interested community members to develop their leadership skills and participate in civic change to help improve our community for children and families. Class will be limited to 20-25 people. For additional information contact Robin Smart or call 719-661-4404 or visit www.Coloradofamilyleadership.com for application information

Edwards Rotary Club: Street Survival

What: The Tire Rack Street Survival Driving Program trains teens on how to drive safely under a variety of challenging conditions. Students who enroll in the one-day class are taught basic control skills in their own vehicle. Pre-register by Nov. 2nd. Date: Sunday, November 4, 2012 Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

P.O. Box 4613 Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 949.9250

Location: Vail Valley Jet Center Cost: $75/ student. Includes beverages and lunch throughout the day For more info: email Linda Hill or Joe Hoy To Register: please visit www.streetsurvival.org.

eagleyouth.org

Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability: Sustainable Film Series - Fresh

Join Eagle Valley Alliance the 1st Tuesday of each month as they raise awareness about environmental issues afflicting our world through featured films. This month the featured film is 'Fresh'. FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers, and business people across America who are reinventing our food system. For more information, visit FRESH . Osage Gardens is the sponsor for this film and will be on hand to share information about their Fresh Eats Food Share Program and Winter Farmers Market in Edwards. Cost: $5 suggested donation

Bright Future Foundation: Sexual Predator Prevention Training

What: Bright Future Foundation's Dr. Casey Wolfington will be working with local law enforcement partners to present an educational session on preventing sexual predators. Eagle County trends and challenges will be discussed as well as strategies to prevent sex assault in Eagle County. Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012 Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Edwards Ambulance District Building For more information and to RSVP: Please contact Dr. Wolfington

Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability: Sustainable Sippers

What: Please join Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability and VIN 48 for a tasting event to raise money for the Alliance's sustainability programs. Sustainable Sippers is not your ordinary tasting event - each beverage has a green story to tell. Whether the grapes are grown locally and organically or the distillery is run on solar power, event-goers will taste and explore what makes some wine, beer and spirits more sustainable than the others. Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012 Time: 6pm - 9pm Location: VIN 48 Restaurant, Avon Cost: $45 Members, $50 Non-Members For more info or to become a sponsor please email Tracy or to purchase tickets click HERE.

Gypsum Public Library: NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month Youth Writers Program
What: NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month Youth Writers Program. Teens... can you write a novel in a month? Meet with our novel writers on Tuesdays after school throughout the month of November to compare your experiences and give and get encouragement. Date: Tuesdays, November 13, 20, & 27 Time: After school Location: Gypsum Public Library

Suicide Prevention Coalition of Eagle Valley: Town Hall Meeting

What: Please join the Suicide Prevention Coalition of the Eagle Valley for a Business Leaders Town Hall Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to increase community awareness of suicide and prevention efforts in Eagle County and to enlist the help of the business community in developing strategies to reduce the incidence of both depress and suicide, specifically within the male 25-45 target range. Appetizers and refreshments will be

provided for the meeting followed by networking. Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012 Time: 4:00pm Location: Avon Municipal Building For more info or to register email Meredith or call (970) 748-4410.

Youth Foundation: Annual Eagle-Vail Turkey Trot

What: Join the Youth Foundation for the 6th annual Eagle-Vail Turkey Trot! Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 Time: 8:30am registration - 9:30am race start Location: Eagle-Vail Pool. Pre-registration opens November 1, 2012 Cost: $10/ person All proceeds benefit VVF's Youth Foundation PwrHrs afterschool program and the Eric Spry Memorial Scholarship.

Red Ribbon Project: Annual World AIDS Day Awareness Fundraiser

What: Please join the Red Ribbon Project for their Annual World AIDS Day awareness fundraiser. This event will include a silent auction, door prizes and entertainment. 10% of Main Street Grill's proceeds will be donated back to Red Ribbon Project. Date: Saturday, December 1, 2012 Time: 6-10pm Location: Main Street Grill, Edwards For more info contact Denise.

Trainings
Not On Tobacco:
N-O-T or Not On Tobacco, is a voluntary teen smoking cessation program. You can apply for funding from the American Lung Association in Colorado to run the N-O-T program. Check out our website N-O-T Facilitator Training When: Friday November 9, 2012 Where: Eagle County Ambulance Community Room, Edwards Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Lunch is provided. Contact: Durban Swartz 303-847-0270

Development
fundraising opportunities Toyota U.S.A. Foundation K-12 Education Grants Deadline: Open
Available Funds: $50,000 $500,000 (Currently, the Foundation will review applications that range between $50,000 - $200,000) Number of Awards: Not Specified Funding Uses: The Toyota USA Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of K-12 education by supporting innovative programs and building partnerships with organizations dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, science and environmental science. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations located within and serve the people of the United States.

Recent Findings
About one-third of American kids are overweight or obese, according to government data. Some cities and states are trying to make their schools and communities healthier to reduce childhood obesity. Nutritional improvements made in the foods served at schools could help reverse the nation's childhood obesity epidemic, and the first evidence of that is in places that have implemented changes early. Read more HERE.

Literacy Project:
What: Training and roundtable discussion for volunteer ESL tutors.

Date: Monday, November 5, 2012 Time: 12:00 pm Location: Avon Library, Avon

Click HERE for the RFP

Jared Polis Foundation Technology Mini-grant program

Deadline: November 7, 2012 Type: Foundation Grants Eligibility: All Colorado Public School Teachers, grades K-12. Grant Details: Grants for up to $1,500 may be requested for hardware, such as digital or video cameras, interactive whiteboards, and interactive response systems, or to purchase software, technology curriculum, or pay technology conference registration fees. Grant Amount: $1,500 Click HERE to read more or apply.

Vail Valley Medical Center:

What: Protecting our kids from concussions Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Location: Battle Mountain High School Auditorium Contact: Kim Greene 970-477-5166

Use our newsletter. It's a bright idea! Remember

Deadline for December newsletter submissions: Wednesday, November 21 Email: Elizabeth Wessel

Strategic Planning and Risk & Protective Factors

Offered by OMNI Institute Date: Friday, December 14, 2012 Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Contact: Michelle Stecher 970-949-9250

Forward email

This email was sent to mhartel@eagleyouth.org by mstecher@eagleyouth.org | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe | Privacy Policy.

Eagle River Youth Coalition | 37347 US Hwy 6, Suite # 202 | Avon | CO | 81620