Wise Guys® is a unique program emphasizing male responsibility in teen pregnancy prevention. As a multi-session curriculum it covers such topics as self-esteem, decision making, dating violence, sexuality, STDs, and abstinence. Some of the specific goals for the program include: preventing teen pregnancy, STDs and date rape/sexual assault. On a broader scale however, Wise Guys® helps teen males develop a healthier, more responsible picture of what it means to be a man.

As one of the first programs of its kind, it has received positive recognition nationwide with 250 communities in over 30 states having implemented the program in their local settings. In 2001 Wise Guys® received a special program award from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy for its pioneering work involving males in preventing teen pregnancy. In 2003, Wise Guys received the Wellness Award from the Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation. The Family Life Council served over 1200 middle and high school boys through Wise Guys multi-session programs in public & private schools, community sites, churches, & other agencies in 2003/2004 in Guilford County.

In response to a clear need, a Hispanic version of the program has been developed. It is in wide use with groups of Hispanic teens and families in Guilford county, and has been implemented in communities across the country as well.

In keeping with the agency’s mission of strengthening the family, the Wise Guys program places a strong emphasis on assisting parents in their effort to share their values with their children regarding sexuality. It does so through a program called TWAAS or Talking With Adolescents About Sexuality.

Click here to visit the Wise Guys website for more information about our programs and curriculums.

Click here to learn how you can schedule a program at your location.

THE NEXT LEVEL

The Wise Guys: The Next Level Curriculum also has the goals of preventing unwanted pregnancy and STDs, but is designed to address the issues of adult men (particularly those ages 18 – 29). It is intended as a tool to help adult men to develop a healthier, more socially responsible concept of manhood. It offers an understanding of strength as taking responsibility, and of fulfillment as the balanced development of the whole person. Perhaps more importantly, it offers young men the idea that they have a choice in how they define and live out their masculinity—and that the consequences of that choice have implications of vital importance for every area of their lives.

Locally, Next Level classes are conducted in a variety of diverse settings, from prisons to college campuses. Response from participants has been highly encouraging, and indicates that this effort is meeting a previously unfilled need, just as much as the multi-session program for teen males has done.

Click here to read more about the Next Level Curriculum.

JÓVENES SABIOS

Jóvenes Sabios is an interactive male responsibility program for Spanish speaking young men ages 11-17.  It is a comprehensive 10-12 week workshop designed for the prevention of adolescent pregnancy.  Jóvenes Sabios is the Spanish version of the Wise Guys program that has been taught in the Guilford County School System and to a number of community groups since 1990.  The Spanish program is based on a translation and adaptation of the English manual.

This program was started as a result of the growing Spanish speaking population in the area, and with the belief that there are special issues that Hispanic/Latino young people face in coping with the normal intergenerational stress and value conflicts that are compounded by different rates of acculturation.  A conscious effort has been made to encourage young people to see themselves as unique individuals within the context of their valuable cultural heritage

Currently, Jóvenes Sabios is taught at 7 Guilford County middle schools and 1 high school, as well as several community sites. Our annual total attendance for the multi-session programs is more than 500 participants.

Click here to learn more about the Jóvenes Sabios Program.

Para leer esta información en Español.

For several years, Wise Guys has been conducting training programs all over the United States.  The main objective of this program is to teach other educators how to initiate and implement the program.   Jóvenes Sabios has also conducted training programs in Spanish and English. Educators are available to teach these programs upon request to professionals who are interested in implementing this program in their communities.

To schedule a training session in your area or for more information contact Rick Brown at 336-333-6890 ext. 225 or email us at wiseguys@flcgso.com