An overview of the Guys Only (GO) Program, a young men's empowerment program. It is run at Norwich University by Northfield & Roxbury Drug-Free Communities

1. The GO! Program (Guys Only!) A program from Northfield & Roxbury Drug-Free Communities, in partnership with Norwich University.

2. What is GO!? An empowerment program for at-risk young men, grades 7-10, designed to reduce and prevent substance abuse.

4. The GO! Guys of 2007 (and volunteers) ready to go on their retreat

7. Quotes from the GO! Guys: “ I learned that you don’t have to use your fists to solve stuff.”

15. High Expectations Both parent(s) and teachers [and other adults] encourage the young person to do well.

16. Creative Activities Young person spends 3 or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or other organizations in the community.

17. Integrity Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.

18. Honesty Young person “tells the truth even when it is not easy.”

19. Responsibility Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.

20. Restraint Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.

21. Interpersonal competence Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.

22. Cultural Competence Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds.

23. Resistance Skills Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.

24. Peaceful Conflict Resolution Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.

25. Personal Power Young person feels he or she has control over “ things that happen to me.”

26. Self-Esteem Young person reports having a high self-esteem

27. Sense of Purpose Young person reports that “ my life has a purpose.”

28. Positive View of Personal Future Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.

29. What Do GO! Guys Really Do? Go! Guys Overcome Challenges

30. On Norwich University’s Challenge Course

31. Each of them, took their turn, facing the unique challenges.

32. They learned to compete with one another respectfully.

33. They learned about asking for help from an adult.

34. They took risks to help one another over the rough spots.

35. And learned how much they really could overcome.

36. What Do GO! Guys Really Do? GO! Guys Learn from Special Workshops

38. They GO! Guys work in groups to sort out what are negative, positive and neutral behaviors.

39. Meg Kuhner and Stephen McArthur teach about healthy relationships and domestic violence.

40. What Do GO! Guys Really Do? GO! Guys Eat and learn about healthy eating

41. They “do chow” (in the Norwich University dining hall.)

42. and picnic out on the lawns.

43. GO! Guys Learn to Work Together to Succeed

44. They learned to share the heavy burdens,

45. Even balancing leadership roles amongst their team members.

46. They trusted their teammates to guide them through precarious situations.

47. What Do GO! Guys Really Do? GO! Guys Swim at Norwich University’s Pool.

48. They learn how to take risks…

49. and how to push themselves safely.

51. Many thanks to the GO! Volunteers for their hard work: David Maida, Stephen Dunn, Paul Ciampaglia, Kyle Robidas, Alan Chandler, Frank Steenburn, Jeff Greene, Guy Boucher (not shown) and Jon Hatch (not shown).

52. Particular thanks to the fearless coordinator: Major Alan Chandler GO! never would have happened without his enthusiasm and dedication!