How can we use ‘Listen First’? This is one of the most common questions UNODC receives from partners and professionals worldwide. The answer is: that depends on your activities and needs! Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ‘Listen First.’
What is 'Listen First'?
'Listen First' is an initiative to increase support for drug use prevention based on science, created by UNODC in 2016. It is not a prevention program, but a free resource to be incorporated into existing, evidence-based prevention programs and activities. 'Listen First' currently consist of three sets of fun, educational materials of videos and science sheets: ‘Listen First’, ‘The Science of Care’, and ‘Super Skills: The Science of Skills’.
Who can use 'Listen First'?
The materials are free to use and share for educational and non-commercial purposes as long as copyrights are recognized to: www.unodc.org/listenfirst. ‘Listen First’ mainly targets parents, teachers, prevention workers, health workers, policymakers, Member States, and other partners. The latest materials, ‘Super Skills: The Science of Skills’ ,also target children directly.
How can we use 'Listen First'?
That depends on your activities, resources, and needs. 'Listen First' is a free resource to be incorporated into existing, evidence-based prevention programs and activities. It is not a prevention program in itself. For example, with ‘The Science of Care’ we cannot hope that just by watching the videos and reading the fact sheets, all parents will be able to put into practice these parenting skills. Most will need a safe place to practice, such as one of the evidence-based prevention programs that are implemented globally, similar to the UNODC programs 'Family UNited' and 'Strong Families.' In this context, 'Listen First' can be used to inspire parents to participate in the programs that are offered and to reinforce their message. We also hope that the videos might inspire parents, teachers, and youth workers to request the kind of evidence-based programs that are necessary.
Find examples of how others have used 'Listen First' here.
In what languages are the materials available?
The 'Listen First' website and original materials are available in English, French, and Spanish. However, the materials are also available in many other languages, thanks to partners' efforts.
My language does not appear on that list. Can we translate 'Listen First'?
'Listen First' can also be made available for translations into your local language. Fill out the engagement form for Partners, Member States, or Stakeholders (parents, teachers, prevention workers, health workers, policymakers) to find out more.
We like the materials, but we would like to change some parts of them. Can we do that?
No. 'Listen First' is a science-driven, global campaign that has undergone a thorough review process by experts. The materials are diverse and inclusive to be able to be used worldwide.
We want to use ‘Listen First’ but don’t know how. Can UNODC provide us with some training?
‘Listen First’ is not a prevention program but a resource that can be implemented into existing, evidence-based prevention strategies. As such there is no specific training on ‘Listen First,’ but we are regularly presenting the initiative in webinars and events together with international partners. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events!
We want to use ‘Listen First,’ does UNODC provide any financial support?
‘Listen First’ is a resource and a material meant to be incorporated into existing evidence-based programs. UNODC will provide all the materials free of charge and will support partners’ dissemination through our website, newsletter and social media. However, UNODC does not have funds to support implementation. All costs and human resources related to translations of the material, implementation, or its dissemination are borne by the partner.
Where can I learn more about ‘Listen First’?
Visit www.unodc.org/listenfirst and sign up for our monthly newsletter. Or contact jenny.roston@un.org
Made possible with the generous support of France.
