TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Strategic Communications Wing ONE is currently soliciting enthusiastic, fun-loving, positive adult role models to serve as mentors for its yearlong Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program.
DEFY is a substance abuse prevention and comprehensive life skills program specifically designed for 9-12 year old Navy dependents. DEFY deters “at-risk” behaviors by giving kids the tools they need to resist drugs and develop positive social skills. A key component of DEFY is mentoring and positive adult role models are the key to the success of that component.
Tinker will kick off its program this summer and is in need of volunteers to fill the role of DEFY mentor. Volunteers must be over the age of 18, affiliated with the Department of Defense, and approved by the command.
Volunteers are expected to participate for the entire year starting with an intensive summer component (Phase I) and monthly events throughout the school year (Phase II).
Phase I is structured in a 5-day residential or 8-day non-residential format. Phase I includes educational trips, fitness activities, classroom learning, and the President’s Fitness Challenge. Residential programs require volunteers to remain with the youth throughout the phase, sometimes in summer camp-like conditions.
Phase II reinforces the concepts and training delivered in Phase I, usually one Saturday each month, although local program schedules vary. During Phase II, mentors and staff provide positive support during group mentoring sessions and interactive workshops that provide life skills training, team building, and leadership skills.
“Participating as an adult mentor is no vacation,” said LaNorfeia Parker, Deputy Director of the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Office and Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager. “It’s hard work and volunteers should not approach this opportunity with the illusion of being a DEFY mentor as an easy assignment,” Parker said. Volunteering contributes to personal development such as building and maintaining personal relationships with youth and staff and developing mentoring skills. Professional experience gained includes management, logistics, administration, complex task completion, and decision-making skills. Volunteers also gain valuable leadership experience through team building, leading teams, coaching, and evaluating performance. Volunteers gain valuable experience and commands get back a better person.
Contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Quinn Reardon by email at Quinn.Reardon@navy.mil or Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristen McGowan by email at kristen.mcgowan@navy.mil or by phone at (732) 618-8776 or (631) 988-2985 to learn how to apply. For more information about the DEFY program, go to http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/nadap/DEFY.