What Heroes Do Program

Understanding the What Heroes Do Curriculum

What Heroes Do is the flagship educational curriculum of the Elks Drug Awareness Program. This comprehensive program provides age-appropriate materials that help young people understand the importance of making healthy, drug-free choices.

Program Overview

What Heroes Do was developed specifically for Elks DAP to deliver consistent, effective drug prevention messaging:

• Research-based: Content aligned with proven prevention strategies
• Age-appropriate: Different materials for elementary, middle, and high school
• Interactive: Engaging activities that reinforce key messages
• Volunteer-friendly: Designed for non-professional presenters

Grade-Level Materials

Elementary (K-5)

Focuses on building self-esteem and recognizing trusted adults:

• Coloring books and activity sheets
• Simple stories about making good choices
• Emphasis on heroes in their lives
• Age-appropriate information about harmful substances

Middle School (6-8)

Addresses peer pressure and decision-making:

• Interactive workbooks
• Scenario-based activities
• Refusal skills practice
• Information about specific substances

High School (9-12)

Focuses on long-term consequences and life goals:

• Discussion guides
• Real-world scenarios
• Career and goal-setting connections
• Current substance trends and data

Using What Heroes Do Effectively

• Review materials before your presentation
• Adapt to your audience while keeping core messages
• Use all components—they work together
• Leave materials for teachers to reinforce messages

Keeping Materials Current

What Heroes Do materials are periodically updated to reflect:

• Current substance trends (vaping, synthetic drugs)
• Latest prevention research
• Updated statistics and information
• Feedback from volunteers and educators

Always check that you have the most current version of materials before presenting.