What Is SALSA? 

SALSA (Students Advocating Life without Substance Abuse) is FCD's peer leadership substance abuse prevention program for students who choose not to use alcohol and other drugs.   

SALSA student leaders are drug-free role models who talk to their younger peers about themselves: who they are, what their goals and plans are, how they have fun and why they choose not to use alcohol or other drugs.

How Does SALSA Work? 

The SALSA model works to strengthen the protective factors already in place for student members, but one of the strongest elements of the SALSA program is that it demonstrates to younger students the reality that not all of their peers are using substances.    

Why SALSA?  

Reason #1: Alcohol and other drug use is less prevalent in schools and communities where non-use is recognized as an acceptable and common choice, and student misperceptions regarding the actual amount of drug use are corrected.  

Reason #2: Innovative peer leadership models can bring about a solution in schools and communities where false beliefs about use can put students at risk.

Reason #3: SALSA's unique brand of peer leadership enables non-using students to model and advocate non-use as a rewarding choice, thus challenging and correcting the misperception that "all adolescents drink or use drugs."

Celebrating Student Health with SALSA 

By bringing non-using students together to serve as role models in schools and communities, SALSA:

• reinforces the reality that many students are in fact making healthy decisions about substance use

• models a realistic, healthy positive norm which greatly strengthens the students' resolve to emulate these healthy behaviors

• reinforces non-using students in their substance-free behavior

• promotes self-confidence in non-using students, including confidence in their choice to stay substance-free

• makes non-use a more visible and viable option for students in schools and communities

• promotes a culture of non-use that strengthens the overall health of the school climate.

Virtually every member of a community has a vital role to play in keeping kids safe and drug-free. Whole-school, family and community involvement are among the most powerful ways to help build a climate of non-use, and giving a voice to students who are already committed to making healthy decisions can offer a significant impact on that effort.

SALSA in Your Community 

If you'd like to learn more about SALSA and how FCD can help bring the program to your community, contact us today.