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.
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.
Facebook isn’t the only Web site that gets a makeover now and then.
Have you noticed that the Sara Bellum Blog and NIDA for Teens have a new look? And it happened just in time for the 2013 National Drug Facts Week, with its 500+ exciting events aimed at shattering the myths about drugs.
93% of teens who use social media use Facebook.
The newly designed Web site lets you share facts about drugs and even test your own knowledge.
Best of all, teens guided and inspired the new design! This past year, we worked with the NIDA Teen Advisory Group, or TAG, to make sure the new site would be appealing.
Some of the new features include:
- New logo: TAG members helped select a new logo from seven designs.
- New images: Teens recommended using engaging images that included real people.
- Home page poll: The TAG also suggested that we add interactive features to the home page to draw visitors into the site.
75% of teens use a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device to access the Internet.
We did more than just update the design of NIDA for Teens. We also made sure that the new site would look good on all screen sizes, like cellphones and tablets.
How did we do? What do you like about the new design? Do you have any suggestions? Tell us in comments.
