Engaging Youth in Prevention Advocacy

Straight Up is a Ventura County, California youth development project for ages 12-25 that promotes social change regarding underage and binge drinking, impaired driving, marijuana, prescription drug misuse and other concerns using improvisation and interactive techniques to engage discussion, explore issues, and develop personal and community solutions to these issues.

Straight Up also provides resources to parents through our Let's Talk program.

Straight Up is made possible through funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, Alcohol and Drug Programs.

About our Programs

Our activities include:

Straight Up Video Contest 2013 - Prescription for Change - open to ages 12-25
See the winners of this year's video contest
A range of options for interactive classroom workshops
Youth leadership development and spokesperson training
Reality Parties for Parents – After seeing teen actors portray scenes from a simulated drinking party and voice their concerns about trends in youth alcohol use, parents explore what adults can do to make a difference and keep their kids safe
Be the DD and Win - Designated Driver promotion campaign in Ventura County
Community assessments – Identifying problems & potential solutions
Guidance and support for planning & implementing your own prevention projects
Training in Reality Improv and social change theatre techniques
Video production – Webcasts & public service announcements
Community discussion through the Straight Up blog
Straight Up audio podcast
Let's Talk - Promoting open and healthy dialogue between parents and teens about tough issues such as underage drinking, sexuality, HIV/AIDS and the prevention of STDs

Announcements

Video Contest winners announced

Mitchell's Downfall -- 1st place
Nick S and Mitchell M, Thousand Oaks
See the other winners

Reality Party for Parents - Home Tour

Camarillo • May 20, 2013
Just opened to the public!

Simi Valley • June 1, 2013
Find out more!

New Blog Posts

A Disturbing Trend -- Huffing is the act of sniffing chemicals (often sprayed into a bag) and inhaled. This may cause a reaction is similar to alcohol intoxication — drowsiness, lightheadedness, and a lack of inhibition. Read more
The Will to Carry On -- "I want to open up, and cover a little piece of what I went through that involved drugs — then love of something that made me leave most of my past behind, allowed me to move on." Read more