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UNITE Clubs help youth develop healthy attitudes and behaviors by learning and practicing life skills, enhancing academic performance, connecting peers, adults, communities and learning through service. Youth are involved in developing and conducting activities designed to help make their schools and communities healthy and drug-free as well as mentoring younger students.
During the 2007-08 school year, as of April 8:
- 121 UNITE Clubs are registered in 29 counties.
- 6,849 students are registered as members of these UNITE Clubs.
To view a list of registered UNITE Clubs click here.
During the 2006-07 school year:
- 98 UNITE Clubs were registered in 28 counties.
- 5,346+ students were registered as members.
During the 2005-06 school year:
- 34 UNITE Clubs were registered in 18 counties.
- 2,137+ students were registered as members.
2007 UNITE Club of the Year Awards
Regional winners for elementary, middle and high school divisions were announced at two regional "Uniting To Serve" youth summits held August 29-30.
For story click here.
While the challenges of youth development are both immense and complex, school systems have an ability to instill deep, lasting changes in people’s lives. Research shows that teens are starting to experiment with drugs at earlier ages. Every young person is at risk. The use of illicit drugs has serious costs for young people. It not only affects judgment and can lead to involvement in other risky actions, but it can also impair a young person’s ability to reach his or her goals by slowing academic progress, impairing athletic performance and affecting the ability to function in the workplace.
 UNITE Clubs operate like any other club or organization recognized by your school. They must be authorized through the principal and have a certified staff member assigned as a sponsor. Clubs should meet at least monthly during pre-approved school times or in an after-school setting if transportation is provided. No student should be denied membership because of past drug use or reputation. Discussions of past drug use is strongly discouraged; the most important consideration is that all members be committed to being drug-free.
Only one UNITE Club will be recognized at each school. Should an anti-drug club already exist, UNITE will partner with that group so long as they agree to meet program guidelines, which include a non-discrimination clause based upon race, socio-economic status and religious beliefs.
UNITE Club members agree to educate themselves and their peers in the importance of remaining drug free, and to help raise awareness about the dangers of illegal substance abuse and all the issues that surround drug abuse.
U - Understand the forces in our lives that shape attitudes and feelings about drugs.
N - Never experiment with drugs; never negotiate our values.
I - Initiate activities that provide an alternative to drug use.
T - Teach others healthy coping skills and the value of staying drug-free.
E - Encourage peer mentoring in schools.
Each club must participate in at least one club activity of your choice, a mentoring activity, and a community service project. (Suggestions of activities and projects are included in the UNITE Club Manual). Members are also encouraged to become active in the UNITE coalition activities in their area.
Operation UNITE recommends that clubs should be broken down by grades 4-6, grades 7-8 and grades 9-12 because children are often more comfortable around others of the same age. There must be a certified staff member assigned as the club sponsor at all club functions. Each club will elect club officers who must belong to the UNITE coalition in their community. Parents, teachers, school administrators, substance abuse counselors and school liaisons should all become involved in club activities.
UNITE Clubs can be reimbursed up to $750 per school year for allowable resources to assist with projects and activities. Reimbursements are available only to registered UNITE Clubs and must have a completed request form signed by the sponsoring teacher. Details on receiving and spending funds is provided in the UNITE Club Manual.
Goals for UNITE Clubs include:
- To provide information about drugs and drug abuse in a healthy and constructive atmosphere.
- To create and reinforce healthy, positive attitudes and behaviors and environments, free of all illegal drugs.
- To help members understand the forces in their lives, including peer pressure, that shape their feelings and attitudes about drugs and drug use. To recognize that peer pressure is not inherently negative -- that it can be a powerful force in persuading others not to use drugs.
- To provide opportunities for members to help others in direct and meaningful ways. Clubs represent a comprehensive effort on the part of local community coalitions, schools, parents and the community as a whole to fight drug abuse.
- To provide support for young people who want to remain drug-free and support positive peer relationships. Exposes members to positive adult and peer role models who share and support their commitment to remain drug-free.
- To foster personal and social responsibility to self and others through educational and service activities by providing service projects and structured activities that they can participate in.
- To provide opportunities to develop life skills, such as leadership, communication, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making.
Principals: Click here to request UNITE Club start-up materials |
