A.C.T.I.O.N - Abstinence Challenging Teens In Our Neighborhoods

The goal of this program is to build self esteem and character development by giving teens between the ages of 12 and 18 the facts about the physical and emotional consequences regarding their sexual behavior, as well as the benefits of abstinence, empowering them to make informed and healthy choices.

The program seeks to involve youth, educators, parents, and community leaders in the greater Fall River and New Bedford areas.

The curricula includes the risks of teen sexual behavior, rewards of abstinence, an abstinence pledge, relationship and character education, peer pressure and refusal skills, building self esteem, and includes parent involvement. Curricula topics are correlated to the character traits of self respect, respect, responsibility, compassion, courage, honesty, self discipline, determination/perseverance and making healthy choices.

The A.C.T.I.O.N program utilizes the "Choosing the Best" curricula which is presented in a culturally sensitive and age appropriate manner to students given their stage of development. The curricula is user friendly and engaging. Interactive techniques such as role plays, dynamic exercises, real life case studies, video vignettes, and small group discussions create a positive learning environment.

Peer leadership opportunities are available for middle and high school students. Interactive peer leadership programs are currently being presented at the New Bedford YMCA and Fall River Public School After School Program. For more information, please contact Steven Gangloff at (508) 674-4681 or send an e-mail to steven@cssdioc.org.

Volunteer, community service, and intern opportunities are available.

For more information, please contact Steven Gangloff at (508) 674-4681 or send an e-mail to steven@cssdioc.org.

The Catholic Social Services A.C.T.I.O.N. program is supported in part by Project #9311ONO from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.

"Before this program, I thought I could just throw a condom on and have sex and be fully protected from pregnancy, STD’s, AIDS. Now I know that abstinence is the only way to fully protect you from anything. Now I know the meaning of “there is no condom for the heart.” Thanks a lot for this program. It changed my life and saved it."

"This program helped me to choose to wait. Before this program, I didn’t really have an absolute sure decision. I knew I wanted to wait but not how long I was going to wait. I know there are teens whose choice is not to have sex and I choose to be one of them. I will continue to love myself and work at my goals in life. I decided that if everyone pressures me to have sex then I will strongly refuse and walk away."

"I feel this program has helped me a lot. It taught me to stand up to pressures, realize how important I am, and the consequences of having sex both physical and emotional. The A.C.T.I.O.N. program has helped me a lot and I can reach my goals now."

For more information about the free interactive character-based A.C.T.I.O.N. program, contact Steve Gangloff, Program Coordinator, at (508) 674-4681 or send an e-mail to steven@cssdioc.org.

A.C.T.I.O.N. presentations/curricula have been or are scheduled to be presented at: