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| Robert Simon
is a man who has spent most of his life as a learner and
a teacher. Rob has made a conscious effort to continually
redefine himself as an educator beyond his former work as
a junior high social studies teacher and teaching specialist
for the Wichita Public Schools. As a result, in the classic
sense of the Latin word, educare,
he has discovered many different ways to help "draw
forth" the best from thousands of people with
whom he has worked. |
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His tools include his
own songs, essays, and poetry as well as public speaking, a weekly
radio commentary, stage performances, and workshop presentations.
Rob considers his work the pursuit of a personal mission that he
says is to "ignite within all of us . . . the desire and the power
to live a fruitful life." A few of his adaptable presentations include:
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"Drugs, Decisions,
and Alternatives" - A generic definition of the term "drug"
is followed by group brainstorming of various substances that
are used, the reasons why people use them, a simple five-question
process for making wise decisions about the use of drugs and
alcohol, and a common-sense discussion of positive and exciting
alternatives to drug use. Appropriate for "Red Ribbon Week"
& "Anti-Drug Use Themes."
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"How To Counteract
Negative Pressures" - An exploration of refusal skills,
decision-making skills, and other life skills designed to increase
assertiveness and the ability to negate the effects of negativism
in all forms - including negative peer influence at work, school,
or elsewhere.
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"True Colors"
- A personality and style inventory created by Education
Companies International (formerly Communication Companies
International) involves participants in a fun, high-energy
activity which gives them a handle on their own personality,
the personalities of others, and insight into how differences
and similarities play a part in relationships of all kinds
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"Hey Me, Get Out
Of My Way!" - A challenging workshop on self-defeating behaviors
(SDBs) based partly on the book Eliminate Your SDBs
by Jonathan Chamberlain. The presentation explores definitions
of SDBs and techniques for "implementing" them; offers opportunities
for discussion of the topic; and explores one or two strategies
for dealing with them (usually positive self-affirmations, visual
imagery, or both) as time permits.
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"Self-Worth &
Positive Choices" - By far, this is the most often requested
theme for assembly programs for young people. Our approach goes
beyond just "feeling good about yourself" to address the inner
foundations of self-worth and to emphasize building relationship
and community by valuing others as well. Sub-topics can include:
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"Get F.A.T."
- "F.A.T." is an acronym for Feelings, Actions, and Thoughts.
Discussion centers on these three elements of human personality
and how they interact to influence and control our experience.
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"You Are What
You Think" - Specifically deals with the relationship
between positive thinking/positive action and positive self-image.
Quips and quotes serve as fodder for thinking, discussion,
and FUN!
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"Mirror, Mirror!"
- This experience in self-reflection focuses on self-discovery
and self-improvement based on theories of human potential
and the power of self-affirmation. May also include carefully
crafted discussion of the mind/body/spirit model of what it
means to be human.
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"Communication,
Caring & Empowerment: Ideas, Attitudes & Techniques"
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Communication is defined by some as "the management of messages
for creating meaning." When "meaning" has to do with health
and wellness, how caretakers communicate to the clients, patients,
students, family members or others in their care is critical.
With our appropriate non-verbal messages, behavioral examples
and deliberate efforts to communicate, we who attend to the
important needs of others can positively motivate and support
their self-empowerment. To do so, we must concentrate not only
on what we say and do, but how it is said and done. In other
words, who we are can communicate as much as our words and actions.
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"Jigsaw Puzzles
and Patchwork Quilts" - Discusses fine arts based projects
designed to take advantage of varied skills and talents of participants
in a cooperative effort to build self-image, foster a heightened
sense of community, and gain other positives.
| (Note:
This presentation can also serve as an introduction or promotion
for the "IMITATION of LIFE Fine Arts in Prevention Training"
and/or Utah's model for "IMPROV Training for Prevention"
c/o Lori Hargraves.)

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© 2001-2007 Positive Rhythm Productions, all rights reserved.
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