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High School Assembly Programs

High school assemblies are a big part of scheduling alcohol and other drug education in secondary schools. Most of the research about effective drug education shows that more intimate and dialogue-based formats are more desirable and achieve better outcomes in drug education. However, the practicalities of secondary school life make the school assembly format the most popular choice because of its efficiency is reaching students, cost effectiveness, and its minimal impact on academic scheduling.

We believe that school assemblies can have a positive impact on the school community when delivered by a professional speaker and with the proper planning. Our approach is a combination of humor and socially relevant insights delivered through a narrative style. Students never lose interest during the presentation and gain valuable personal reflection as each student will discover personal meaning in the message.

A Personal Statement from Jeff

Assemblies do not please everyone. It is impossible. After 15 years of presenting to secondary schools and colleges worldwide, I’m convinced I’ve never done a presentation that every single person found perfect.

Each audience member (faculty especially) will run every word I say through their own personal history with substances and come out with their own meaning. That meaning can be completely different than the intended message. My talk has been crafted over many years and great care has been taken to create a balanced message that is receivable by everyone.

I use my personal and professional experience to engage the community in conversation. An assembly is not the “end all be all” to your school’s alcohol and drug prevention program. My intention is to support those students making the choice not to drink or use other drugs, help those using to see their relationship with drugs more clearly and gain insight into their personal drinking patterns, and encourage students who may be struggling with alcohol and drug use or mental health issues to reach out for help. I receive hundreds of emails and Facebook postings after each assembly thanking me for my personal approach to the topic.

I have found that students don’t respond well to scare tactics, half-truths, and intimidation. However, I have found some adults enjoy this approach because they feel it is “getting tough” or “sending the right message” - I disagree - and so does the research. I speak to students like adults. My stories, language, and demeanor is direct and with secondary school and college students a little edgy. I approach them in the same manner I’d approach a friend and family member; with respect, understanding, and openness.

What you can expect after the assembly? I say this with complete confidence and humility, based on the feedback from hundreds of assemblies worldwide.

Most student will feel it is the best or one of the best assemblies they have ever attended on the topic (read testimonials below).
Every student regardless of their relationship with alcohol or other drugs will have their own “moment”. What is a “moment”? In speaker jargon, it is the moment in which they personally connect ( feeling – me too!) with what is being said and it has personal meaning for them.
Students will remember specific skills and strategies to use when facing the challenges of substance use (including alcohol) in their lives.
The assembly will generate community-wide discussion for homeroom, advisory, the kitchen table, and carpool.
Those administrators not involved in the planning will say, “whatever the costs were, it was totally worth it!”