Ask Listen Learn evaluated - it's a hit!

In 2010, we enhanced our Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix program with the addition of the Ask, Listen, Learn educational fitness game. We developed the game to emphasize physical activity and we were blown away by the way kids took to it. Seeing this, we wanted to know the extent to which kids were actually learning from the game.

Well, we've just received the results of an independent third-party evaluation of our Ask, Listen, Learn game and are delighted to announce that the results are excellent! 93% of students who were exposed to our Ask, Listen, Learn game reported they learned about underage drinking as a result of playing it. After participating in the game, nearly 2 out of 3 students reported being aware that alcohol can affect every organ in their body and the average student quiz score increased significantly from the pre-game wave to the post-wave.

The research was conducted by TRU, a leader in youth research and insights with over 25 years of experience. The research also reported significant increases in the awareness and knowledge of the dangers of drinking alcohol, and students claimed the game made them “stop and think” about the dangers of underage drinking.

We have distributed over one million games to date. We're very happy that our program is making a difference in kid's lives and that nine out of ten students exposed to the game report it makes them think about making healthy choices. Knowing this, we're going to push forward in 2011 to reach out to even more kids!

Being nice is nice- volunteer with your kids!

There's no doubt that volunteering to help others can make you feel good about yourself while making someone else's life better. Kids who start volunteering at a young age are more likely than others to continue volunteering in the years to come. As parents, you can start this community service trend by setting a good example with your kids.

Click “more” for some guidelines!

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is not only about being lovey-dovey with your sweetheart or significant other. It's also about showing your friends and family how happy you are to have them in your life.  Sometimes handmade presents can be even more meaningful and special to give and receive than store-bought gifts.

Click “more” to see what kind of arts and crafts you could make with your kids to show your love instead of buying these traditional gifts at stores.

Snow Day? Hooray!

In light of the recent snow storms all over the country, one of our Ask, Listen, Learn team members, Meghan D., wanted to give kids some suggestions of things to do to stay busy.

Click "more" to find out what great activities Meghan recommends!

We're back from the Boston Indoor Grand Prix!

Saturday the Ask, Listen, Learn team headed up to Boston, Massachusetts for the New Balance Boston Indoor Grand Prix at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center on the campus of Roxbury Community College.

Click "more" to read about our experience!

Ready, Set, Sweat!

The Century Council recognizes the important role that parents play in educating young people about making healthy decisions, especially when it involves saying no to underage drinking. We also believe that teachers, coaches and athletic directors serve as mentors and effective role models who reiterate these messages about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Encouraging America's kids to get more exercise and eat healthier has become a national priority, as illustrated by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. A number of states are considering legislation to increase physical activity and education in schools.

The Virginia General Assembly is the first among state legislatures this year to pass such an effort. The bills were sponsored by physicians – Delegate John O'Bannon (R-Henrico) and Senator Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk) – and expand physical education in public schools. According to The Washington Post, a spokesman for Governor Robert F. McDonnell (R) said he would review the legislation before deciding whether to sign it into law. Virginia's First Lady, Maureen McDonnell, is an advocate for kids health and fitness and works with the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth on the issue of childhood obesity.

Debate has centered mainly on the fiscal impact of the bill and potential implications for schools. Opponents such as the Virginia Education Association say this legislation will require additional teachers on an already reduced school budget.

Groups including the American Heart Association support the measure because it ultimately reduces obesity-related costs to society and they maintain the legislation does not modify staffing standards. We are certainly interested in the outcome!

On issues of wellness through physical activity, The Century Council is proud to partner with PE4life and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). We encourage you to learn more about youth fitness at Ask, Listen, Learn!

Boston Indoor Grand Prix this weekend!

This weekend, our Ask, Listen, Learn program will be in Boston, MA at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. We're going to bring our Ask, Listen, Learn kids fitness games to the event, so that kids there can get a workout too. Our kids fitness games will also teach kids the importance of good nutrition, and to say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and to say 'NO' to underage drinking.

Since 1996, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix has played host to six World Records, nine American Records and 19 other national records. For anyone with an interest in professional track and field, this is a must-see event. We're excited to be a part of it!

The games will begin this Saturday, February 5th at 5 o'clock.

We're looking forward to seeing these world-class athletes compete – Please drop us a line if you plan on being there!