Question of the Month

"How do you think texting has changed communication and relationships?"

Check out some of you peer's answers.

                  

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It's All About Relationships

Cyberbullies often don't see the impact of their cruelty. It's easier to type unkind messages onto a screen than to say it in person; and sometimes, because tone and body language are not used, the words can be misinterpreted in print. MaineTeenTalk offers advice and information on this problem within your own community. Take a moment to check out this powerful video which was created as a public service announcement designed to raise awareness of this issue.

U.S. Dept. of Justice & the National Ad Council's Cyberbullying Awareness Video

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Relationship Strategies

When things go wrong in our relationships what do we do? Below are a couple of examples of relationship strategies you can use to help maintain a healthy relationship.

The Time-Out

When a situation between two people begins to escalate it is important to get things under control. A strategy known as the Time-Out is an effective way to achieve this. Check out the video below to see the strategy in action.

 

The Redirect

Ever have somebody stop listening to you during a conversation? Frustrating isn't it? We have something important to say and they just "check out". People avoid or withdraw from conversations for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the reason its important in a healthy relationship for both people to be heard. Take a look at a strategy known as the Redirect to see how to handle situations of avoidance and withdrawal.

 

Speaker/Listener Technique

The most important aspect of listening is not the ability to hear, but to be able to interpret what we hear in a meaningful way. Staying engaged in a conversation is critical to effective communication. The Speaker/Listener Technique is a pattern of thought that trains us to remain engaged in a conversation by clearly defining the roles of both the speaker and the listener. Take a look at the technique as it is illustrated in the video below.

Check out other MaineTeenTalk videos through our YouTube Channel by clicking on the MTT logo below!

Another Great Event!

 

MaineTeenTalk would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's "Pulling Together For Teens" Airplane Pull Event. Held on Saturday June 19th at the Sanford Regional Airport this year's event featured four pull teams and a new champion. Last year's winner the Notre Dame Cobras semi-pro football team was unable to field a team and therefore they were unable to defend their title. This year's champion, the Acton Fire Department, won a thrilling "pull-off" against the Rocking Iron Ladies our first all female team. With a winning time of 4.96 seconds the fearless firefighters of the Acton Fire Department walked away with the gold and due to their constant showmanship during the event they also secured the newly minted "Best In Show" award. Coming in second was the Rocking Iron Ladies and taking third, in their second year of competition, was the crew from Fallbrook Woods Assisted Living Center. Check out our Media Gallery for more photos of this amazing day!

Acton Fire Department

2nd Annual

"Pulling Together For Teens"

Champion

A Special Thank To Our

Event Partners and Sponsors!

Southern Maine Aviation

B.P.O.E Lodge 1470

Portland Sea Dogs

BART Race Services

Northern Plasma Sales

Attention Teachers, Parents, and Guidance Counselors!

This site was created to attend to the questions and concerns of the teen population of our great state. If you are interested in what MaineTeenTalk has to offer, we encourage you to browse our Best4Teens website at www.best4teens.org . You can contact us directly, get samples of our curriculum, or view updates from our ongoing activities. Click on the picture below to get started and we look forward to seeing you there!

Go "Green" For Teens!

Through a partnership with "CLYNK" and Hannaford Supermarkets, you can now donate your recyclable cans and bottles to MaineTeenTalk at any "CLYNK" conveniently located in most Hannaford Supermarkets. So stop in and help MTT continue to provide Healthy Relationship education to the great state of Maine!

Money Questions?

Did you know that according to national polling the number one reason for divorce in the United States is money related issues? Click on the link below sponsored by Evergreen Credit Union and add to your financial knowledge!

Increase Your Financial Awareness!

Myth vs. Reality

Experience can be a great teacher, but when it's the only teacher you have to ask yourself the question, "did I learn the right lesson?" Spend a minute and consider the statement, "I can change him or her". Is it a myth or a reality? Decide what you think and then watch the following clip that gives an example of the statement. Once you are done read MaineTeenTalk's take on the situation.

What was your choice? If you said myth then we agree with you! Will Smith's character tried to change the way Kevin James's character danced in order to portray a certain image. In the end though Kevin James chose to act the way he felt most comfortable. It's important to remember that we can be someone's reason for wanting to change, but real change needs to come from the person themselves. Check in from time to time for more Myth vs Reality questions!

Help Us, Help You!

MaineTeenTalk's Teen Advisory Board is a great way to help influence the program we provide to teens. By serving on the Teen Advisory Board you can help continue to keep our program current and in touch with the issues that really affect you! To be a member of the Teen Advisory Board you must be:

* A high school aged teen

* Able to attend a monthly meeting in Portland

If you are interested please contact Jules Jensen by e-mailing her at jbjerning@best4teens.org or call her at 207-699-2464.

Coming Soon!

Keep checking the MaineTeenTalk website for registration details for this year's annual Wolfe's Neck Trek 5k road race!