Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jun 2002
Source: Recorder, The (NY)
Copyright: 2002 The Recorder
Contact:  http://www.recordernews.com/coverpage/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2116
Author: Rachel Staroba
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Note: The writer is community development specialist for Montgomery County
Allies in Prevention.

OUR YOUNG PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR A CONSISTENT MESSAGE

To the editor:

On Thursday, June 6, 25 sixth-grade students from the 21st Century 
Community Learning Center After School program at Lynch Middle School 
celebrated their commitment to remain drug, alcohol and tobacco-free by 
performing a skit for family and community members, eating pizza, and 
receiving recognition for their efforts.

Each student agreed to: stay clean of drugs, discourage others from using, 
remain involved in at least one extra-curricular activity, and avoid being 
suspended from school. To recognize the efforts of these students, local 
businesses are offering discounts by way of a "Gold Card." When presented 
at participating restaurants, students are eligible for things like a free 
small fry or 10 percent off their purchase.

I would like to thank each of the businesses that agreed to participate in 
the recognition of our youth. Preventing our kids from using drugs and 
alcohol is not just a parent's responsibility. The community owes it to the 
youth for us all to play a part in contributing to their positive 
development. When kids hear the message at home, that they are loved and 
important, and parents want them to stay off drugs, they will listen. When 
they hear it at school from teachers, friends and staff, kids will start to 
think about it. When kids hear the message from police officers, business 
owners, neighbors and community leaders that we all want them to have every 
opportunity possible and that we will not tolerate 44 percent of our 
seventh-graders using alcohol (Communities That Care survey, 2000, 
Montgomery County), then they begin to believe that they matter and are an 
important part of our community. As they are, for these youth are our 
future community leaders.

Our youth need to hear a consistent message. The contributions of the 
participating businesses are an excellent beginning for us to become 
involved in the lives of Amsterdam's young people. We all have the 
potential to incite change in our community and make it a better place. In 
our own ways, we are all the "anti-drug."

Rachel Staroba, Amsterdam 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl