TOTAL Program Descriptions
Totally Outstanding Teen Advocates for the Library (TOTAL) offers a variety of programs for teens developed and executed by teen library staff members. Teens explore issues dealing with safety, community and education in a friendly environment.
Tackling the Issues
There workshops are given for youth, parents, teachers and other youth-serving staff.
Bullying
In these workshops we talk about the definition of bullying, the different types of bullying and what we can do as a community to stop bullying. We also use clips from popular movies to really show what bullying looks like and possible ways for students and parents to deal with bullying. Teen facilitators take part in this workshop to share their personal experiences and offer support to parents and to their peers.
Racism
In this workshop we talk about what racism is, where it comes from, and its effects. It is generally an open forum.
Drug and Alcohol Awareness
The purpose of this workshop is to encourage teens to stay away from illegal drugs and underage drinking. We educate teens on the dangers of underage drinking and drug abuse and we provide information on places that offer services to help those struggling with these issues.
Job Skills Development
The purpose of this workshop is to assist teens in expanding their career development skills. Subjects are covered are: 1) How to Correctly Fill out an Application; 2) How to Create a Resume; 3) Dressing for Success; and 4) How to Interview Correctly.
Online Safety for Teens and Parents
In this program we educate youth and their parents about safe online surfing. In the teen workshop we share some “do’s and don’ts” about using the internet as well as letting teens know about importance of protecting their information. In the parent workshop we educate parents on the good things as well as the dangers that are on the internet. Parents receive useful information on some of the popular acronyms that teens use, tips on how to protect your child from online predators, and even give out a contract for parents and teens to get them talking about online safety.
College Time….Am I Ready???
This workshop was designed to educate teens and parents on how to start looking for colleges. We discuss topics such as how to get funding for school and what tests are required to gain admission to colleges or universities. Advice on what to do once on campus is also included: class selection, adding and/or dropping classes, what to expect from dorm life, how to handle transportation. We also emphasize the importance of managing your finances, keeping in close contact with professors and advisors, and participating in extracurricular activities.
Truth Behind the Music Listening Party
This is a fun, thought-provoking program where we listen to different genres of music and discuss their content. Some of the discussion questions include, “Is this song something you would listen to?”; “What do you think this song is talking about?”; “Does this song have a positive or negative impact on you?” The conversations are always thought provoking and enlightening.
Etiquette
The purpose of this workshop is to teach teens the importance of proper etiquette. Participate in a series of interactive skits which lead to open discussions about what went right or wrong in the scenarios. We also customize some of our information upon request.
History of Hip Hop
In this fun and informative program we take an in depth look at the Hip Hop culture. We discover where it originated, identify the four different elements of Hip Hop and explore its three eras. We also incorporate an old school trivia session where prizes are offered for correct answers.
Little Readers’ Theatre
This program was designed to bring a slice of the library to children who, due to different circumstances, may not often visit their local library. We have gathered a collection of stories and converted them into skits. We hope that this will pique the children’s interest in reading and help them to see that books can come alive in their imaginations. We also offer these programs to library branches for story time.
Movie and Discussion
This is a program where teens come to their local libraries to watch fun and thought-provoking movies (all PG-13 and under). During and after we watch these movies we have discussions about their content. All movies shown include real-life situations and offer an opportunity for teens to talk about how these life lessons might apply to their lives.
Game Time
Teens have a fun and relaxed time playing board games such as Sorry, Clue, Uno, Attack!, Monopoly, and Mancala just to name a few! We also have an X-Box Kinect where teens play video games with not just their hands but with their whole bodies! So while they are having fun playing Kinect Sports 1 or 2, Dance Central, MJ Experience or Kinect Adventures they are getting a great workout as well!
Arts and Crafts
Come out and have fun creating various art and crafts projects such as making bracelets and necklaces, decorating candles and candle holders, or creating fun holiday items just to name a few.
For more information about TOTAL please contact Monica McLaurine