In 2010, NIDA assembled its first Teen Advisory Group (TAG) to get authentic teen feedback on how to improve our Web sites and materials for teens. TAG members have been key in developing the Sara Bellum Blog as well as new materials that will soon appear on the PEERx Web site. They have also helped with other cool tools still in development. We bring together teens from all over the country who meet once a month over the phone and online to give their feedback and opinions on the design and functionality of Web pages, activities, logos, names of our awareness programs, characters in videos, scripts, ways of reaching teens in social media, and much more.
Interested?
In order to be eligible, you must currently be 13-18 years old and enrolled in a U.S. high school.
What’s in it for you?
Not only do we get your valuable feedback to help us develop our Web site and materials targeted to teens, but you also benefit from participating in the TAG.
- For every four sessions in which you participate, you will receive $100. If you are not able to participate in all 4 sessions, you will get the equivalent of $25 dollars per session.
- You get something awesome to put on your college applications and résumés. You can say that you helped the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of NIH (the National Institutes of Health), develop materials for teens to learn about the dangers of and the science behind drug abuse.
- It’s a great way to connect with teens around the country to talk about how to get the message out to your peers.
- It’s also fun. You get to tell us what you do or do not like. If you want your voice to be heard, if you want to make a difference, this is the right place for you.
So what’s stopping you? Shoot us an email at NIDATAG@iqsolutions.com We look forward to hearing from you!
Ready for another question? Without you, our readers, the SBB wouldn't be worth much. So, keep telling us what you think.
Question #5: Do the images and videos on the blog catch your eye? If not, what would you recommend changing?
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the "Leave a Reply" box below, or send us a message. As always, we will read all comments and consider all feedback.
The following month, check back with the SBB to see how we've addressed your suggestions and to answer the next question.
Please remember, even though we've posted a fifth question, you can still respond to Question #1 , Question #2, Question #3, and Question #4. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you!
A few months ago, we asked you about your favorite social networking sites—including Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, and Twitter— and now we want to know a little bit about how you use social media. “Social media” is an overarching term that refers to interactive Web sites as a whole, not just social networking Web sites. While this term surely encompasses social networking sites, social media also can refer to blogs and Web sites such as YouTube, Tumblr, Web sites with online discussion forums, and more.
So now we want to know: how do you use social media? Do you blog, watch YouTube videos, post on discussion boards, or share your favorite viral videos and pictures on Tumblr?
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. As always, we read all comments and consider all feedback.
Don’t forget that you can always respond to questions we’ve asked before; just drop us a comment! We always look forward to hearing from you!
We’re delighted to have so many engaged SBB readers, including those of you who vote on posts, leave us comments and send us messages. Since we’ve launched this blog, we’ve had well over a million page views and hundreds of comments.
As much as we love our involved readers, we’re now on the lookout for enthusiastic writers. Sooo…
Question #6: Would you be interested in submitting a guest post to NIDA and be featured on the Sara Bellum Blog?
Sharing your stories and real-life experiences can benefit your friends and community. If interested, send us an email note and let us know if you have a story or message you’d like to share with us and the SBB audience. Or, let us know what you think of the idea in the comments below.
As a reminder, even though we’re on Question #6, you can still respond to previous questions we’ve asked. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you—whether you’re a reader or a writer.
It’s a known fact that the teenage years are a big transition time of physical and mental development for both males and females. It is a time of trying new things, meeting new people, exploring the world around you, figuring out who you are and who you want to be as an adult, and testing limits that come with independence. Occasionally, we ask you for feedback so that we can get to know you better and publish posts that interest you.
So, today we want to ask: how do you kick back and relax with your friends?
Do you like to get together with friends before a big game at school? Do you play sports? Hang out at the mall or go see movies? Do you like to have time alone to write in a journal or read? Are you cool with having parents around when someone has a party?
To answer the question, either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. As always, we read all comments and consider all feedback.
Remember, you can look at previous questions we’ve asked at any time! Whether you respond to an older post or the newest post, we always look forward to hearing from you.
Meet the NIDA Teen Advisory Group. This is a group of real teens who help NIDA craft messages, programs, and materials for other teens. Have you downloaded any of our t-shirt designs, commented on this blog, or watched our videos? These features—and the entire NIDA for Teens Web site—were all influenced by real teens.
We at NIDA believe that the best way to learn how to talk to teenagers is to actually talk with real teens. This is why teens were full design partners when NIDA first launched the NIDA for Teens Web site back in 2003. And today, the NIDA Teen Advisory Group meets over the Internet once a month to tell us what they like—and don’t like—about new stuff we’re creating for you. Members of the Teen Advisory Group are from all over the United States, from California to Maine. They get a sneak peek at NIDA’s ideas for new ways to share the truth about drugs. Whether it’s a person in a video, the color of a download, or a single word—the Teen Advisory Group is not shy to say they love it or hate it. They’re brutally honest, and we like that.
“It is a great feeling when you know your opinions are actually wanted and respected,” said Ashlyn, 15, a member of the Teen Advisory Group from Maryland. “NIDA isn’t just saying ‘Drugs are bad, don’t do drugs!’ They have real scientific proof. They are explaining to people my age and everyone how drugs affect you, how to avoid illicit drug use and abuse, and more.”
Right now, membership into the Teen Advisory Group is full, but we also have an online workgroup that often provides feedback on materials via email. Please let us know if you are interested in joining the online workgroup by contacting us, and leave a reply below to let us know how you think we’re doing.
Every now and then, we like to feature NIDA videos about drug abuse and addiction here on this blog—like Get Back in the Game—Use Painkillers Safely; Dr. Nora Volkow’s Visit to Harlem High School; Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction; Marijuana Addiction Facts for Teens; and Dr. Ruben Baler’s video on the dangers and effects of steroid abuse. (Want to see these videos and more? Click on the image below). So now we want to know:
What do you think of these videos? Do the video topics pull you in? Would you want to see more of NIDA’s videos featured on the SBB?
Click this image to see more NIDA videos.
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. As always, we read all comments and consider all feedback. Don’t forget that you can always respond to questions we’ve asked before; just drop us a comment! We always look forward to hearing from you!
Happy birthday to us! We’re excited to say that the Sara Bellum blog has been up and running for one year now. And not to brag, but we’ve won several awards in that time (yea!). So thank you for helping to make this so successful….We couldn’t have done it without your help. Please celebrate with us by telling us which of the top 9 posts from the past year you liked best:
- NIDA News: Who Gets Fooled by Flavors?
- Real Teens Ask: What Types of Drugs are High School Students Using?
- Energy Drinks: A Boost in the Wrong Direction?
- Real Teens Ask About Marijuana
- Meth Mouth and Crank Bugs: Meth-a-morphosis
- Real Teens Ask: Do Many Kids in High School Do Drugs?
- Real Teens Ask: How Old Are Kids Who Start Using Drugs?
- Binge Drinking Matters–To Your Brain
- How Does Cocaine Work? It’s Partly In Your Genes
So which is it? To answer the question, you can either “Leave a Reply” in the box below, or send us a message. As always, we read all comments and consider all feedback.
Oh yeah, even though a whole year has passed, you can still answer previous questions. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you.
- Social networks
- TV ads
- Web sites
Ready for another question, SBB readers? Hope that’s a yes! We want to know what you think.
And now for Question #7: Which of these topics interest you the most – personal stories, current events, celebrities, sports, relationships, technology, something else?
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. As always, we will read all comments and consider all feedback. Check back with the SBB to see how we’ve addressed your suggestions and to answer the next question.
And don’t forget, even though we’re on Question #7, you can still respond to previous questions we’ve asked. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you!
Dozens of social networking sites are out there, and SBB is curious:
Question #8: Which social networking site is your favorite? Do you like MyYearbook or Bebo? How about Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace?
Maybe your site of choice is something else entirely. So, tell us what your favorite social networking site is. Please tell us what you like about it, too.
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. We read all comments and consider all feedback.
As always, even though we’re on Question #8, you can still respond to previous questions we’ve asked. We look forward to hearing from you!
In November 2010, NIDA held its first-ever National Drug Facts Week (NDFW), where people around the U.S. worked with friends, family, and neighbors to plan events to dispel the myths and discuss the facts about drug abuse.
People got really creative with their events. The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America held a game show called “Think Fast” at its National Leadership Forum.
NDFW was so successful last year that NIDA has planned another: this year’s NDFW will be the week of October 31-November 6!
So, now, we want to know: Will you be participating in this year’s NDFW? Are you planning an event? What type of event would you like to attend?
To answer the questions, you can either write your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. We read all of your comments and feedback.
Don’t forget that you can respond to questions we’ve asked before. As always, we look forward to hearing from you!
Good news SBB readers, each week more and more of you are visiting the blog. Because more of you are tuning in, we want to make sure we provide you with the most interesting and helpful information. We always take your comments and your messages into consideration, and you've already given us great insight. So, we are taking it a step further. In other words, we want more of your feedback!
Here's how it's going to work. Each month, we'll post a specific question on the blog asking for your feedback. The first question is:
Question #1: What would you like to talk about, or know more about, on the topic of drug abuse?
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the "Leave a Reply" box below, or send us a message. As always, we will read all comments and consider all feedback. The following month, check back with the SBB to see how we've addressed your suggestions and to answer the next question.
Your comments and suggestions will help guide the future development of the Blog. For example, if you think there are too many blog posts on nicotine addiction or not enough videos, or if you want to read more about real teens' stories or see videos on the consequences of prescription drug abuse, we want to know. We look forward to hearing from you, so let's get started.
SBB talks a lot about science related to drug abuse and addiction. Judging from the great comments and questions that you guys have posted during the year, we can tell that you have brushed up on your facts. So once again, give us the scoop:
Besides SBB, what other blogs or Web sites do you visit to get the facts on science, health, drugs, and addiction?
To answer the question, either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. As always, we read all comments and consider all feedback.
Remember, you can respond to previous questions we’ve asked at any time! Whether you respond to an older post or the newest post, we always look forward to hearing from you.
There are lots of really cool features on the newly updated PEERx Web site. Have you seen them? Check them out here. From unique downloadable images that you can iron right onto T-shirts or print onto stickers, to the new Choose Your Path video that puts YOU in the driver's seat to decide what happens next, to the Activity Guide full of fun things you can plan in your school or community group—there is something for everyone!
So now we want to know, what is your favorite feature on the PEERx Web site? Do you like to download cool designs, choose a path in a video activity, or create your own stories?
To answer the question, you can either write your response in the "Leave a Reply" box below, or send us a message. As always, we read all comments and consider all feedback.
Don't forget that you can always respond to questions we've asked before, so comment away! We value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.
Hey, SBB readers, are you ready for round two? We sure hope so.
Remember, with your comments and suggestions you can help guide the future development of the blog. If there is something you love and want to see more of, tell us. If there is something that you think is important and is missing from the Blog, make sure to let us know. You can start by providing us with your feedback to Question #2—here it is:
Question #2: Tell us one thing you've learned on the Sara Bellum blog.
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the "Leave a Reply" box below, or send us a message. As always, we will read all comments and consider all feedback. The following month, check back with the SBB to see how we've addressed your suggestions and to answer the next question. Please remember, even though we've posted a second question, you can still respond to Question #1. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you!
Everyone looks up to someone…a family member, a celebrity, or someone who has overcome hard times to succeed in life. It helps us to have a role model.
Question #9: Who do you look up to? Who are your role models? Why?
To answer, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. We want to know about the people you respect and why they inspire you—because that helps us create more meaningful messages about drug abuse.
And remember, even though 2010 is over, you can still respond to previous questions we’ve asked from this year or last. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you!
NIDA is the largest supporter of the world's research on drug abuse and addiction. Our responsibilities include sharing our scientific findings with the public. Teens are one of our most important audiences. Figuring out how to present our research so that teens pay attention to it can be challenging. That’s where YOU come in! For years, we’ve been talking with real teens who were recruited for our Teen Advisory Group. The group meets once a month over the phone and online to share feedback on materials and resources NIDA is developing for young people. Now, it’s time to recruit the new 2012–2013 Teen Advisory Group. Interested? Here are the need-to-know details:
- What are Teen Advisory Group members expected to do?
Once a month, join us for a virtual session. We’ll provide you with a URL and toll-free phone number. Simply give us your honest feedback, ideas, and recommendations on the materials we share.
- What will Teen Advisory Group members get in return for their commitment?
Teens will be paid $25 for each meeting they participate in, and they’ll receive a certificate from NIDA at the end of the 12 sessions.
- Who should apply?
We’re looking for teens in grades 8–11.
- How do you apply?
Send an email to NIDATAG@iqsolutions.com to request the application.
- When is the application deadline?
Applications are due March 31, by 6 p.m. Eastern time. Interested in sharing your opinions and getting paid to help NIDA reach teens with facts about drug abuse and addiction? Apply today! Please share this information with your friends and encourage them to apply as well.
The SBB enters 2010 with excitement and hope for a great new year and, as always, we are welcoming your feedback about the Blog. Take a look at Question #3 and let us know what you think!
Question #3: What would you like to know more about when it comes to the science behind drugs and their effects?
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the "Leave a Reply" box below, or send us a message. As always, we will read all comments and consider all feedback. The following month, check back with the SBB to see how we've addressed your suggestions and to answer the next question.
Please remember, even though we've posted a third question, you can still respond to Question #1 and Question #2. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you!
By now you know that our readers’ opinions matter to us, especially when it comes to the topics we cover. SBB publishes posts in 13 different categories: Blast from the Past, Codebreaker, Featured Posts, From the Lab, Know the Scene, Let’s Talk, National Drug Facts Week, NIDA News, Real Life, Real Teens Ask, Sara’s Stats, Video Posts and Word of the Day. So, we would like to know…
Which blog category do you like the most? Why?
Update (3/2/12): We've made changes to the blog categories based on feedback from teens like you Let us know what you think. Did we get it right?
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or send us a message. As always, we read all comments and consider all feedback.
Remember, you can respond to any previous questions by clicking here. As always, we look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks to all the SBB readers who are leaving comments and asking questions on the Sara Bellum blog. It's time for Question #4-let us know what you think.
Question #4: So, we're curious…how would you describe the Sara Bellum blog to a friend?
To answer the question, you can either submit a comment by writing your response in the "Leave a Reply" box below, or send us a message. As always, we will read all comments and consider all feedback. The following month, check back with the SBB to see how we've addressed your suggestions and to answer the next question.
Please remember, even though we've posted a fourth question, you can still respond to Question #1 , Question #2 and Question #3. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you!
