BACKGROUND
The Church Network Program is formed by members of a number of churches sharing a drug prevention objective. Their strategy is to raise awareness on the damage caused by drugs to individuals, families, and institutions.
This Network was established in 1988 upon the request of several religious organizations to coordinate actions with CEDRO.
The Church Network offers an educational program involving members of different religious organizations of the country engaged in this effort. Parrish priests, pastoral agents, committed laymen, catechists and others act as multiplying agents.

OBJECTIVES
General Objectives
To promote a multiplying effect of the primary drug-abuse prevention actions carried out by members of the religious community
Consolidate values promoting a healthy life style in the religious community according to the different religious creeds (Christian and others).

Specific Objectives
Develop the skills and personal values of the young members of the religious community, encouraging positive interactions with their environment.
To train young members of the religious community to develop prevention strategies to train other members of their community.
Sponsor group activities to promote culture and a better use of leisure time. Improve participants' information on drug issues and promote integral education.

STRATEGIES

The CHURCH NETWORK develops the following approaches:

To conduct drug abuse prevention workshops to inform the population in general regarding the consequences of drug abuse and the effects of prevention strategies.
Trains young leaders having a specific responsibility in their religious community. Participants are informed of the effects and consequences of drug abuse and are trained on techniques to develop social skills and implement prevention programs. The following subjects are included in the handbook:
· Youth issues
· Establishing Drug Abuse Prevention Goals:
o Integral health
o Risk and protection factors
o Prevention
· Ecological System
· Education on Values and Moral Discernment
· Development of Social Skills:
o Self-esteem
o Communications
o Assertive behavior
o Peer pressure
o Decision making
· Human rights
· Gender development
· Paradigms
· Group and commitment to the community
· Leadership
· Organization
· Planning

MATERIALS
· Handbook for Young Leaders
· Radio program "Mientras eres Joven" (While you are Young)
This drug-abuse-youth-oriented primary prevention material is a joint ten-chapter production of CEDRO-CONAMCOS and the Episcopal Commission of Social Communications Media (Comisión Episcopal de Medios de Comunicación Social).