Pubdate: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 Source: Selkirk Journal (CN MB) Copyright: 2005 The Selkirk Journal Contact: http://www.selkirkjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2165 Author: Andrew Buck YOUTH PRIDE TO HOST DRUG AWARENESS WEEK Selkirk Youth PRIDE is preparing to turn inside out when it hosts Drug Awareness Week Nov. 19-25. The group is made up of grades 7 to 12 students who have come together to promote the merits of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Drug Awareness Week runs parallel to National Awareness Week to provide the teens with a forum to share their message. Jacqueline Williams, who is Selkirk Youth PRIDE's adult advisor, says an impressive multimedia presentation will anchor the week-long event. The professionally produced three-screen presentation uses music and song clips to help teens understand its message instead of simply lecturing at them. "It's a motivational media presentation called Inside Out," Williams said. The presentation is aimed at Grade 6 to university students and their parents, and it runs Nov. 21 at the Comp's theatre. "It's open to the public and it's free. It brings what we've learned over time to the forefront saying no just isn't enough," Williams said. "Today's adolescents need to do more than just say no. (The presentation) helps them make positive choices based on their inside convictions, rather than their outside ones." Selkirk Youth PRIDE members picked Inside Out after seeing the presentation in Alberta. Williams says the group is excited about the prospect of sharing it with the Selkirk area. "It's just fun and it's so high-tech. The kids really get into it," she said. Other events scheduled as part of Drug Awareness Week include a Nov. 19 mall display kickoff and a Nov. 25 drug-free video dance party at Selkirk Memorial Hall. Admission to the latter is only $3. Though the upcoming week is one of Selkirk Youth PRIDE's showcase events, the group remains busy throughout the year. It continues to branch out across Southern Manitoba with a series of informative displays and skits. "Regardless of where we are the kids have a great message to send," Williams said. Started as part of a national drug-free leadership group over 18 years ago, Selkirk Youth PRIDE found itself alone after its umbrella organization folded. That hasn't kept the group from prospering locally, Williams said. It continues to be well received in the community and supported by donations. "I'm hoping the community understands that Selkirk Youth PRIDE is still very strong," Williams said. "They take their role of being positive youth examples to the community very seriously. These kids should be commended for being drug-free and standing up and sharing their examples." The group is also working to develop a relationship with the RCMP to work on a holiday drinking and driving awareness program, Williams said. It also has a crystal meth strategy on its radar, she said. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin