TEENFEST(IVAL) IMPACTS
TeenFest(ival) is an annual public health education event focused on substance abuse prevention and violence reduction. It provides a forum for young people to raise their collective voices in contribution to the call for safe and drug-free communities in North Carolina. TeenFest also offers youth and their families a substance-free social event where they can gather, support each other and promote the prevention message. 2014 marks the ten-year anniversary ofTeenFestival.
The first part of the day consists of interactive workshops for teens, parents and elementary age youth on the TeenFest main themes. The second half of the day is the talent showcase where students ages 14 – 19 compete with original acts that have an anti-drug, anti-violence, and/or anti-underage smoking/drinking theme. Celebrity judges award $1,750 in cash prizes to first, second and third place winners.
Annual attendance fluctuates depending on location, weather conditions, celebrity judges and other local events happening on the same date. What remains the same is that attendees report they have a great time. However, TeenFest(ival) is more than a feel-good event; it is a public health education event. Is it working? Yes. We conduct research during the events to gauge if our audience is learning about the harmful effects of illegal substances, violence, underage use of tobacco and alcohol and where to find resources. Based on each year’s results, we make adjustments for the following year.
TeenFest 2K13 was held April 2013 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Approximately 550 people attended; almost 40% completed surveys regarding what they learned throughout the day’s activities. Survey results are below.
Table 1. Results of TeenFest(ival) 2K13 Survey
Variables |
Percentage (number) |
Gender (Female) |
76% (151) |
Ethnicity African American White Hispanic |
93% 3% 4% |
Age <12 years 12-17 years 18 years and up |
10% 49% 46% |
City of Residence Durham Raleigh Knightdale Cary Clayton Nashville Other (20 NC CIties, MD, VA, and DC) |
8% 48% 6% 4% 4% 3% 26% |
How I Heard About TeenFest Agencies Contestants Family Friends TeenFest Foundation Parents Church Internet Television Radio/Newspaper |
23% 16% 10% 9% 7% 6% 6% 6% 5% 1% |
What Was Learned at TeenFest 2K13 Dangers of Substance Abuse Dangers of Violence Avoiding Dangers of Substance Abuse Avoiding Dangers of Violence How to get More Information |
89% 72% 74% 71% 66% |
Table 2. TeenFest 2K13 Other cities with at least one attendee (N=20 NC cities; 3 other states):
Apex | Goldsboro | Spring Hope |
Asheville | Henderson | Tarbor |
Charlotte | Holly Springs | Wendell |
Creedmoor | Louisburg | Zebulon |
Dudley | Maccford | Richmond, VA |
Fayetteville | Morrisville | Columbia, MD |
Garner | Rolesville | Washington, DC |
Greensboro | Sanford |