Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2008
Source: Queen Charlotte Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Queen Charlotte Observer.
Contact:  http://www.qciobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2681
Author: Beryl Parke

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES GROUP READY TO POST ANTI-DRUG SIGN IN MASSET

Haida Gwaii Healthy Communities Society, Beryl Parke, Arnie Bellis 
and Brett Johnson have donated the money to have the first anti-drug 
campaign sign made to go up in Greater Massett Area. The sign reads: 
Haida Gwaii - Graham Island Community; Drug Free Zone, Just Say No, 
Drug Free is the Way to Be, Get High on Life - Not on Drugs, Up With 
Hope - Down With Dope.

The purpose of the sign is to continue to bring awareness to the 
citizens of Greater Massett Area. The sponsors for the sign and the 
anti-drug campaign for the Masset area are aware that all the 
anti-drug campaigns across North America have shown greater successes 
with signs with catchy slogans. Children and adults remember the 
slogans and the message is imprinted on their minds - and they 
continue to spread the message to other citizens.

The Anti-Drug Group for the Greater Massett area is hopeful that this 
sign and others to come will demonstrate the strength of community 
standing together and supporting this proactive campaign. The hope is 
to realize a healthier community. To be a community that supports 
positive change for both the dealers, and the users.

The group wishes to mention that they are available to support all 
who are involved in the use and selling of illegal substances. For 
those selling, if they wish to make changes in their life, they can 
seek support from counsellors in the area -we can refer them to the 
counsellors. For those using the substances the same support is 
available. We need to work with both sides of this equation as it is 
about community and the dealers are community members who also may 
need support to quit selling. The dealers will experience financial 
change if they stop. There are people who can help them learn to live 
within a budget like all community members have to.

The anti-drug signs are important to the positive changes community 
would like to see for the Greater Massett area. Currently the village 
of Masset has no bylaws against posting signs, however it appears 
even though we can put them up - the village can take them down. The 
anti-drug group of concerned citizens are hopeful that the village of 
Masset will not do this.

The volunteers for this campaign will be meeting on Friday evening 
(July 11) at 7 pm in Masset at 1674 Main Street to go out and put up 
this sign. All those who are in support of this campaign are 
encouraged to come out. For more info you can contact Beryl Parke at 
(250) 626-7134.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom