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As part of our efforts to stay focused on our mission and stay positive in the face of major budget cuts, my Teen Clinc staff decided to promote the theme of positivity in our schools and in our community. The original idea stemmed from a simple, yet meaningful thank you gift I received from a middle school teacher and her students for a program I did with them last summer. The gift was a simple black bracelet with a silver band on the front imprinted with the word "Positivity" I love that bracelet and wear it every day.  The teen peer educators I work with also loved my bracelet and wanted one of their own, so I looked into ordering them. A few weeks later, budget cuts were announced and we were all charged with brainstorming ideas for saving money. Going with the theme of Positivity and refusing to think in terms of lack, the teens started planning a fundraiser. They got together and made Christmas ornaments, designed t-shirts and in collaboration with a local teen friendly in North Conway, NH called Cool Jewels, we ordered Positivity bracelets, packaged them in little organza bags tand began spreading the word while raising some money to offset the proposed cuts. With the impending threat of program cuts looming over their heads, the teens began to reflect on what we do and why it's so important. Although our primary work is around sexuality education, the kids told me it was so much more than that, from their perpective. And I couldn't agree more. Our work is about promoting self-esteem and self-worth, about teaching kids how to make healthy choices that support positive growth, it's about inspiring them to be the best they can be, and providing an important support system during the confusing adolescent years. Their insight always amazes me and their passion continues to spark my own! They disappeared for awhile and spent some time on google. They came back to me with a quote they thought helped describe the essence of what we do and why it's so important. They asked if the quote could be printed on a card and included in the sparkley, starred Positivity gift bag we were selling. Absolutely perfect! The quote we've adopted is: "Together let's see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift and encourage to reach their fullest potential." ~Anthony Robbins The quote is now a mural in the Teen Clinic waiting room, painted by our resident artist, Deni.  The campaign has since expanded to Facebook and we are now collaborating with Positivity Nation and a local high school to spread the word about PN's "Year of Positive Action". You can buy your own Positivity Bracelet today by clicking on the link below. Bracelets are $5.00 each plus $1.00 shipping. Proceeds will go to help support the Teen Outreach and Teen Clinic Programs at White Mountain Community Health Center in Conway, NH. Feel free to spread the positivity word to family, friends and organizations you might be involved with! I must warn you, it's catchy ... and it's sooooooo fun to watch the positivity epidemic spread!  It should be noted that our service area has one of the lowest teen pregnancy rates in the country and our service model could easily be replicated to produce similar results across the country! "Like" us on Facebook and join us in A Year of Positive Action at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Teen-Clinic-at-White-Mountain-Community-Health-Center/143662842351818 "Like" Positivity Nation on Facebook and visit their website for daily inspiration and positivity at www.positivitynation.com. We believe that thoughts become things. We're embracing positivity and creating abundance, success and inspiration. We hope you will join us!  Standing, Danielle Mason and Mikayl Cerney, Peer Educators Seated, Trisha Jacobson, Teen Clinic and Community Outreach Coordinator at a local artisans fair in Conway, NH In addition to her practice at Transition on Purpose Coaching, Trisha Jacobson is the Coordinator of Teen Clinic and Community Outreach programs at the White Mountain Community Health Center. (www.whitemountainhealth.org)
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