FAQ

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions asked by clients who contact us. If you do not see the answer to your question here, contact us and we’ll help you!

No, but it is beneficial, because staff learn to effectively utilize any ARISE curriculum, positivity cards and posters much more effectively. At the training, they also learn the unique ARISE formula which is based on almost three decades of hands on experience of working with troubled youth. This enables instructors to confidently teach any of our 260 different topics. They also learn important group facilitation skills and how to develop a lesson plan that actively engages the youth.

Generally speaking ARISE groups consist of as few as three to four to a max of 20 youth. Very often groups are made up of students of different ages, different academic abilities, and various backgrounds. ARISE shines in this type of environment

Groups last for 45-60 minutes. ARISE is flexible but more than an hour even in ARISE groups and our population begins to lose their focus.

ARISE groups sessions have an Introduction, Guided Group Discussion, Activity/Worksheet, and a Conclusion/Wrap-up.

ARISE lessons engage youth in interactive group discussions and hands-on activities. During the ARISE professional staff training, we devote a great deal of time to effectively conducting guided group discussions that promote positive interaction and participation. ARISE is designed to engage youth by providing a welcoming space for them to express their ideas and experiences, free from criticism, ridicule and put-downs. This approach is how we slide life skills learning under their radar.

We have created multiple activities that capture the attention and make a lasting impact on the youth. Never Boring - The basis of ARISE’s success for almost 30 years has been its ability to engage both the group facilitator and the youth. Activities range from role plays. Studies show people who were involved in role playing were 100 to 400 times less likely to be involved in violent anti-social behavior, including suicide. Personal presentations are designed to help youth gain more confidence and expertise in presenting themselves positively.

Creating a rap, poems, or assignments like writing thank you notes are also used to promote self-confidence in social situations. More often than not learners so enjoy the group sessions they are reluctant to leave. particularly when the ARISE positivity cards and posters are incorporated in group sessions.

ARISE does not have other individuals or organizations as affiliates. The ARISE program is used by a wide variety of organizations. The process works like this: the staff working directly with the youth register for the ARISE online life skills training or they arrange for an ARISE trainer to come to their location and train their staff. After this step is completed they purchase whatever life skills material (topics) they feel the youth they work with need. They can purchase hard copy or downloadable books that are immediately available for use.

Once this process is completed your organization will have a structured evidenced based life skills program that can be utilized for years to come.

No, every lesson is self-contained, and absolutely no additional material is needed.

Many group facilitators (instructors) start with the first lesson in the book and teach all the consecutive lessons. This is a matter of personal preference. Every 45-60 minute lesson stands on its own – ARISE designed its material for facilities where there is high turnover and youth come and go for various reasons. A single session or years of ARISE, these educationally rich activities keep interest rates high. In fact they resonate beautifully with those youth with severe challenges who feel that life is stacked against them.

Yes, this is the population ARISE is designed for. ARISE material is guaranteed to generate high interest and is presented on a low reading level. Our material is not meant for solitary readers.

From years of experience we know that words on a page freaks out troubled youth so we keep copy to a minimum. Instead we use original thought provoking graphic images combined with easily understood short, familiar words. ARISE positivity cards and posters are perfect examples of how we focus on creating conditions for change in youth who are frustrated by school and have trouble sitting still and concentrating in traditional classrooms.

Yes, mental health facilities have indicated that staff often learn more about the youth from the ARISE interactive group sessions than they do in some of the therapy sessions where troubled youth refuse to cooperate. The ARISE evidence-based, cost effective, programs successfully cross a continuum of prevention, intervention and treatment services. Special attention is devoted to the facility-to-community transition process for youth. ARISE offers the essential components for an effective foster care program in both curricula and staff training.

Depending on the teaching style of an instructor, if lessons are conducted three sessions per week and group sessions last 45-60 minutes, a manual with three sections will last about 2 ½ months. Organizations that integrate ARISE positivity cards and posters can actually stretch this time period to 3-4 months per manual and continue uninterrupted conducting stimulating, memorable group learning experiences.

Yes, ARISE curriculum materials are evidenced based. View Evidence Based Results

Absolutely not, however we encourage staff to become certified ARISE Life Skills Group Facilitators. The staff and the youth will benefit. There are many options to accomplish this. We have a 5 day master training. This is a train the trainer approach. The master trainer can train all other staff in your facility to be certified life skills facilitators. Also available are on-line training for ARISE Group facilitators (instructors) and professional staff training at your location for up to 20 individuals. Find out more about our training.

The 260 Different Words range from steps for breaking negative habits, anger and conflict management, benefits of positive body language, decisions making skills, violence and conflict resolution, learning strategies, time management, effective communications, negotiation skills at home and work, building self-esteem by developing that little voice inside that tell us were good enough to stay out of trouble to set and achieve short and long term goals. Why today more than ever health care is truly self-care. Youth learn day to day steps for taking personal responsibility for maintaining the gift of good health. And much more.