LET'S SEND THE RIGHT MESSAGE - "NOT ALL YOUTH USE SUBSTANCES!"

The Science of the Positive

Positive Community Norms is based on “the Science of the Positive,” the study of how positive factors impacts culture and experience. Positive Community Norms closes the gap between what we believe to be true and what is actually true. By talking about positive behaviors rather than emphasizing negative behavior and inadvertently making that seem common or even attractive, Positive Community Norms brings forward the message that the positive is the norm (Centers for Disease Control, CDC).

PERCEPTIONS MATTER:

  1. Perceptions of norms can be strong predictors of behavior.
  2. Perceived norms influence a wide variety of behaviors including high risk drinking, tobacco usage, impaired driving, home electrical usage, bullying, and even the use of sunscreen.
  3. Perceived norms often remain hidden because we do not ask the right questions.

Examples of MEADA sponsored Positive Community Norms (PCN) campaign materials

In a perfect world, youth help to create marketing materials that speak to them and their peers. If you have youth in your life that are willing to help create advertising materials – for youth, by youth – reach out to let us know.