When the Maryland Abstinence Education and Coordination Program held its Winning Choices 2002 Conference recently at the University of Maryland campus, offering more than 40 workshops, a discussion on Rap was a highlight for some attendees.

"So many of us misunderstand the message behind Rap," said Thomas Moore, workshop facilitator and youth support worker for Casey Family Services. "Adults tend not to listen to Rap or if they hear it come on the radio, they switch stations. So many of us are ready to shut our ears and close our minds to the music that our children are listening to," said Damian Briscoe, case manager for the Men's Center and co-facilitator for the session.

Rap, like other forms of music, voices concerns about issues such as teenage pregnancy and crime. Even though some of the music may not be in a positive light, the discussion that comes from it can be. The audience, which included parents, social workers, youth workers and college students of all races from various socioeconomic backgrounds, discussed Rap's potential to educate young people. Tuning in to what children are listening to can lead to "teachable moments" when values can be addressed and youth can be encouraged to think about what they are listening to, said Moore.

In fact, professionals, he said, are using Rap as a therapeutic tool. The workshop outlined a three-step process:

• First, listen to the music on your child's radio station or CDs or search for the lyrics on the Internet.
  
  
• Second, wait for the right moment to discuss the song. Consider turning on their favorite radio station while riding together in the car.
  
  
• Lastly, talk and listen to your child. Ask them what they think about the song. What's the message? This is your opportunity to discuss the meaning behind the lyrics.
  
  

One parent who attended the workshop said she would immediately turn off Rap when she heard it on the radio. But now that she has a new appreciation for it and how it can help her communicate with her child, she will be paying closer attention to the lyrics.

Attendees also were given the names of Rap artists who promote positive messages in their lyrics, like Mos Def, Talib Kweili, Krs-one and Common. The facilitators suggested visiting www.DaveyD.com to find out more about Rap music.