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Words Can Work DVDs, the Words Can Work series of booklets, and other resources address the public health challenges kids face growing up.

Our community forum, keynote presentations, consulting and trainings help parents/caregivers and professionals talk with kids about issues that matter most.

Quantity discounts available on Words Can Work booklets and DVDs. Call 978.282.1663 for pricing.

Words Can Work uses PayPal for processing secure online transactions. Massachusetts residents will pay 5% sales tax. Contact info@wordscanwork.com for shipping outside the contiguous U.S. All prices subject to change.

Click here to view and read excerpts of our Words Can Work DVDs and Words Can Work booklets

Complete Library of DVDs - DVD
Purchase our complete library of DVDs about the many challenges young people face and save $300.

Package includes Alcohol: True Stories Hosted by Matt Damon, Boys on Bullying, Depression: True Stories, Drugs: True Stories, In Our Own Words: Teens and AIDS, The Power of Girls: Inside and Out, Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health, and Steroids: True Stories Hosted by Curt Schilling.

All DVDs include discussion guides.

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Alcohol: True Stories Hosted by Matt Damon - VHS/DVD
Young people tell their powerful stories about drinking and driving, addiction, and avoiding alcohol use. 20 minutes. Recommended for grades 5 through 12, parents, and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

An evaluation by Harvard Medical School shows that Alcohol: True Stories Hosted by Matt Damon meets SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) criteria.

View clip of Alcohol: True Stories Hosted by Matt Damon.

The use of this DVD in any group setting constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this licensing restriction.

What People Are Saying...

“This remarkable video about one of America's most important public health concerns will be incorporated into national programs that can really make a difference…”
Howard J. Shaffer, Ph.D., C.A.S., Harvard Medical School

“... ideal for adolescent treatment settings, school health classes and for parents when talking about drug prevention. It's also useful for intervention when there's evidence of drug use. Anyone can relate to at least one story in the film.”
Janet Nance-Richardson, Alcohol and Other, Drugs Coordinator Child Welfare League of America

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Words Can Work: When Talking About Alcohol - Booklet
Young people and parents tell how they discuss underage drinking. Experts offer facts, strategies, and the words to help young people and families talk about alcohol use. (48pp.) Recommended for grades 5 & up, parents and other caregivers.

Download classroom activity.

Read an excerpt of Words Can Work: When Talking About Alcohol.

“…a whole world of valuable information in a deceptively small package.”
Karen Friedman, FNP, Middlesex School

"... shows a thorough and careful understanding of teen-parent relationships, and of current research in the field of prevention.”
Anara Guard, Director of Information & Marketing, Join Together

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Boys on Bullying - VHS/DVD
Boys tell how they dealt with bullying through support from friends, parents, or other caring adults. 20 minutes. Recommended for Grades 5 through 12, parents, and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

View clip of Boys on Bullying.

The use of this DVD in any group setting constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this licensing restriction.

What People Are Saying...

“This program helps boys examine and break down male stereotypes that can contribute to bullying and isolation...”
Bernice T. Humphrey, Girls Incorporated

“Bullying often damages boys in ways they can’t express. Boys on Bullying gives words to our experiences and feelings. It needs to be seen by every boy and girl and their parents.”
Tom Klaus, MS, President and Lead Trainer, Legacy Resource Group

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Depression: True Stories - DVD
Depression is a treatable, not shameful, illness. Professional basketball player Chamique Holdsclaw and other young adults describe living with – and recovering from – depression. Their powerful stories show how early diagnosis and treatment can transform and save lives. With discussion guide. 26 minutes. Recommended for grades 6 through college, parents, and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here

View clip of Depression: True Stories.

The use of this DVD in any group setting constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this licensing restriction.

What People Are Saying...

Depression: True Stories provides compelling first person accounts of the suffering associated with this life threatening illness—depression. At the same time, it inspires hope about the power of treatment. It is certain to educate adolescents, young adults, parents, other caregivers, and health care professionals about a serious illness that can and should be treated.”
Paula K. Rauch, M.D. Director, Child Psychiatry Consultation Service to Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School

"... a well-produced inspiring & educational product focused on a very important public health issue.”
Jason H. Padgett, MPA, Field Development Coordinator, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA)

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Words Can Work: When Talking About Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders - Booklet
Young people and parents discuss living with depression and other mental health disorders. Experts offer facts, strategies, and the words to help young people and families talk about these topics. (52pp.) Recommended for grades 6 & up, parents and other caregivers.

Download classroom activity

Read an excerpt of Words Can Work: When Talking About Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders.

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Drugs: True Stories - DVD
Abuse of alcohol and marijuana led Joel to prescription painkillers. Joel and his family describe addiction, denial, and recovery. Trevor finds support to avoid drug use. H. Westley Clark, M.D., SAMHSA, and Howard Shaffer, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, answer FAQ. 28 minutes. Recommended for grades 5 through college, parents, and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

An evaluation by Harvard Medical School shows that Drugs: True Stories meets SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) criteria.

View clip of Drugs: True Stories.

The use of this DVD in any group setting constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this licensing restriction.

What People Are Saying...

Drugs: True Stories is a brilliantly produced and very hopeful piece. It illustrates very nicely the progression that goes with addiction.”
Richard Falzone, M.D., Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Drugs: True Stories is emotionally engaging and scientifically accurate. Congratulations on a job well done.”
Diane Barry, Director of Communications, Health and Human Development Programs, EDC

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Words Can Work: When Talking About Drugs - Booklet
Young people and parents tell their stories about drug abuse, addiction and the benefits of staying drug-free. Brian Johnson, M.D., Harvard Medical School, and Jeanne Blake offer facts, strategies, and the words to help young people and families talk about drugs. (56 pp.) Recommended for grades 5 & up, parents and other caregivers.

Download classroom activity.

Read an excerpt of Words Can Work: When Talking About Drugs.

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You can help prevent substance abuse - Booklets
Kids who can talk with their peers and parents or other trusted adults are more likely to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol. Words Can Work booklets tell true stories and offer the information, communication strategies and the words to help young people make smart choices. You can help keep kids safe. Recommended for grades 5 & up, parents and other caregivers.

This set of Words Can Work booklets includes: Words Can Work: When Talking About Alcohol, Words Can Work: When Talking About Drugs, and Words Can Work: When Talking About Steroids

Download these classroom activities:
Words Can Work: When Talking About Alcohol
Words Can Work: When Talking About Drugs
Words Can Work: When Talking About Steroids

Read an excerpt of each of these Words Can Work booklets.

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In Our Own Words: Teens and AIDS - VHS/DVD
Teens infected with HIV through unprotected intercourse discuss denial, condoms, postponing sex, and how alcohol affects decision-making. 20 minutes. Available in Spanish. Recommended for grades 5 through 12, parents, and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

View clip of In Our Own Words: Teens and AIDS.

The use of this DVD in any group setting constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this licensing restriction.

What People Are Saying...

“If you’re a teacher, you’re a principal, you’re a superintendent, this is a video you should get for your schools…You can save a lot of kids.”
Oprah Winfrey, The Oprah Winfrey Show

"... right on target for young people ... dramatic enough to hold their attention, realistic enough to be absolutely believable."
Dr. Timothy Johnson, Medical Editor, ABC News

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Words Can Work: When Talking With Kids About Sexual Health - Book
Young people and parents discuss puberty, values, relationships, postponing sex, and birth control. Experts, including former Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., offer facts, strategies, and the words to help young people and families talk about these topics. (115 pp.)

Read an excerpt of Words Can Work: When Talking With Kids About Sexual Health.

"A great resource that beautifully combines conversations with youngsters, relevant information and commentary. This book will help parents and all who work with young people negotiate the challenge of talking to children about sexuality and their emergence into adulthood."
William R. Beardslee, MD Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Boston Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

"Sexuality educators are always looking for materials we can use with a variety of age groups and populations. This 'Words Can Work' book provides messages that will resonate with everyone, regardless of a person’s knowledge or comfort level about sexuality. Any educator who works with parents or caregivers should have this resource on their bookshelf. Keep it within easy reach; you'll use it often!"
Elizabeth Schroeder, EdD, MSW, Executive Director, Answer (http://answer.rutgers.edu)

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The Power of Girls: Inside and Out - VHS/DVD
Girls tell how friends, parents, or other caregivers helped them handle bullying, eating disorders, early sexual activity, and deep loss. 20 minutes. Recommended for Grades 5 through 12, parents and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

View clip of The Power of Girls: Inside and Out.

The use of this DVD in any group setting constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this licensing restriction.

What People Are Saying...

“The video has great models for girls who have found the strength to accept themselves and act in their best interest, sometimes in the face of very negative messages about who they should be and how they should act.”
Bernice T. Humphrey, National Program Department, Girls Incorporated

"The thoughtful real life stories told in the videos...will help teens think about and make wise choices and help adults better understand how to reach out to support young people."
Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed.D., Harvard Medical School

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Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health - VHS/DVD
Programs #1 and #2 Communication about sexual health begins at birth. These parents and young people tell how they discuss sexual health. Experts offer insight to help families start and continue these important conversations. With discussion guides. 20 minutes each.Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.
Discussion Guide for Program #1
Discussion Guide for Program #2

View clip of Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health.

"Parents and sexuality educators finally have a thoughtful, well-produced video resource to facilitate discussion about sexuality."
Debra Hauser, Advocates for Youth

“... an extraordinarily valuable tool in helping parents communicate with their children about sexuality, enhancing their ability to make healthy decisions throughout life.”
John P. Steward, M.D., The Episcopal Diocese of California

To purchase this DVD for private/in home use please contact us for pricing at info@wordscanwork.com

The use of Raising Healthy Kids in the Our Whole Lives curriculum or other group settings constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this restriction.

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Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health - VHS/DVD
Program #1 For parents of young children Addresses setting limits, labeling body parts, how babies are made, self-touch, appropriate/inappropriate touch and more. 20 minutes. Recommended for parents and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

View clip of Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health.

"... offers a clear and important message: parents are a child's best teacher about love, sex and values. Many parents will find these well-crafted videos useful aids in starting these critical discussions with their kids." Sarah Brown, Director, National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

To purchase this DVD for private/in home use please contact us for pricing at info@wordscanwork.com

The use of Raising Healthy Kids in the Our Whole Lives curriculum or other group settings constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this restriction.

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Institutional use/Group viewing

Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health - VHS/DVD
Program #2 For parents of preadolescents and adolescents Addresses sharing values, keeping communication open, postponing sexual intercourse, avoiding absolutes, building strong relationships and more. 20 minutes. Recommended for parents and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

View clip of Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health.

"Raising Healthy Kids: Families Talk About Sexual Health can help families get beyond scare messages, opening communication about healthy sexuality and responsible decision-making."
Heather Johnston-Nicholson, Ph.D., Assoc., Ex. Dir. for Research, Program and Training, Girls Incorporated

To purchase this DVD for private/in home use please contact us for pricing at info@wordscanwork.com

The use of Raising Healthy Kids in the Our Whole Lives curriculum or other group settings constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this restriction.

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Institutional use/Group viewing

Steroids: True Stories Hosted by Curt Schilling - DVD
Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling tells about Craig’s anabolic steroid abuse. Craig, his parents and sister describe their five-year “nightmare.” Nate, 18, builds strength naturally. Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, answers FAQ. 20 minutes. Recommended for grades 6 through college, parents and other caregivers. Discussion Guide available on the DVD or can be downloaded here.

View clip of Steroids: True Stories Hosted by Curt Schilling.

A portion of the proceeds from Steroids: True Stories Hosted by Curt Schilling will be donated to Curt's Pitch for ALS.

The use of this DVD in any group setting constitutes Institutional use/Group viewing and must be purchased at the Institutional price. Please respect this licensing restriction.

What People Are Saying...

“If you’re a head coach of a program, I hope you will take the time to show everybody in your program the DVD - from Varsity to JV to the freshmen team. If you have young assistant coaches, make sure you watch it together and talk about how to discuss the issue of steroids with your athletes. If we’re not willing to have the conversation, we’re not going to fix the problem.”
Peter Roby, Athletic Director, Northeastern University

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Words Can Work: When Talking About Steroids - Booklet
Young people and parents discuss anabolic steroids and the benefits of building strength naturally. Experts offer facts, strategies, and the words to help young people and families talk about anabolic steroids. (52 pp.) Recommended for grades 6 & up, parents and other caregivers.

Download classroom activity.

Read an excerpt of Words Can Work: When Talking About Steroids.

"The booklet Words Can Work: When Talking About Steroids offers a wealth of information. Young people who read this useful guide will be better equipped to avoid the use of steroids.”
Rocky Hager, Head Football Coach, Northeastern University

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TIPS for Parents of Children of All Ages - Two-sided card
Tips for starting and continuing open communication with young people (two-sided card).

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Package of 25

What Works: Sexuality Education - DVD only
This 20-minute video examines the effectiveness of sexuality/HIV education programs. It is a revised and abridged version of Family Health Production’s award-winning hour long documentary, Sex Education in America: AIDS and Adolescence. Produced in 1998, the program’s comparison of abstinence until marriage and comprehensive sexuality education programs, and interviews with experts, teens, parents, and educators remains relevant. Includes Fact Sheet and a complimentary copy of Words Can Work: When Talking With Kids About Sexual Health book.For Educators and School Boards.

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Sex Education in America: AIDS and Adolescence - DVD only
This 60-minute DVD compares abstinence until marriage and comprehensive sexuality education programs, and interviews with experts, teens, parents, and educators. Read More

Institutional use/Group viewing

*(In-home/Private use price does not include public performance rights for group viewing. Please respect this restriction.)

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