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IDEA President's Message
As I attended graduation ceremonies in my community this week, a phrase from a movie echoed through my mind, "School's Out for the Summer!" As a parent, a school administrator, and a school board member in my home community graduation marks a significant milestone in the lives of parents and students. It's also a time of unbridled hope and opportunity for the future. I treasure the opportunities that students will be presented with, but also hope that as adults we have provided them with the skills to negotiate the issues that they will face.
Summertime provides opportunities for our children to have access and to use alcohol and other abusive substances. As adults and parents we need to be role models and guide our children to abstain from alcohol and other substance abuse during these formative years (physically, emotionally, and socially) while so much growth is occurring in their lives. I hear comments from parents about their fears in directing their children away from alcohol and other abusive substances, "How can I direct my children when I consumed alcohol and/or other substances?" As a parent we cannot "rewind" our lives to correct mistakes we have made, but we can be honest with our children and provide the support for them that guide them in making safe and healthy choices. Being a parent is a challenge, but knowing what is best for our own children and not doing the right things for them is a challenge that if not addressed may be a missed educational and safe decision making opportunity.
The Illinois Drug Education Alliance (IDEA) is statewide volunteer prevention organization in its twenty-ninth year. Our mission is to provide a network of adults and youth throughout the state to educate and to help parents and students make healthy decisions.
Sincerely,
Scott Horsch
IDEA President |
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Dome Shift 2011
Members of the Illinois Youth Advisory Board for SADD and IDEA took part in Dome Shift 2011. Members in attendance included myself- Kassandra Salgado, JD Oeters, Jacob Dickey and Michael Bayler. During this two day event we participated in several activities such as preparing for Capitol Hill, meeting legislators, and discussing campaigns.
For the full article, click on the link below:
Dome Shift 2011 Full Article
Written by Kassandra Salgado, Student Advisory Board Member
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Student Advisory Board
Illinois SADD and IDEA have a Youth Advisory Board that is shared between the two organizations. We have had an outstanding group of students this year and they have accomplished many things. They have helped develop and implement communication campaigns, give presentations, workshops and came up with a very successful Paint Illinois Red activity.
The SAB was part of the team that put together DomeShift 2011 which was a huge success! This past year we had members from many different parts of the state, grade levels and with different levels of experience in leadership and prevention.
All you need is passion and a desire to make a difference. We provide you with training, skills, knowledge and everything else you need to be a successful member of the SAB. There is still time to apply to be a part of the 2011/2012 Student Advisory Board so if you are interested or know someone who is, fill out or provide them with an application for a chance to be a part of something awesome!
Click below for an application!
SAB Application
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Cracking Down on Cannabis Candy
Now that medical marijuana is legal in some states, we are seeing it in all kinds of forms, including sweet treats. And local police say they are seeing more of it.
In just the past month, QC MEG agents seized dozens of pieces of cannabis candy from a Davenport home and during a traffic stop on Interstate 80. QC MEG Director Kevin Winslow says, "We're seeing it more frequently, just due to surrounding states that passed the medical marijuana law. It's easier to get."
Full Article on Cannabis Candy
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Mobilizing the Community: Youth Taking the Lead
For more than 30 years, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has been committed to empowering young people to lead education and prevention initiatives within their schools and communities.
SADD has created a youth-focused, research-based campaign that engages youth and influential adults in preventing underage drinking called Mobilizing the Community: Youth Taking the Lead. Mobilizing the Community, or MTC, asks students to involve parents, school administrators, law enforcement officials, and the local media to help youth and adults challenge the perceived norms and assist youth and community leaders in clarifying and enforcing policies that deter youth drinking. This campaign is unique because it is youth developed and youth led.
Click here to read full article
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New Report Estimates Illicit Drug Use Costs U.S. Economy More than $193
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Some college campuses are seeing an increase in 'drunkorexia,' the act of restricting calories by day so students can drink alcohol at night without gaining weight.
KIMT News 3 reports that this practice can be dangerous for heavy drinkers. Jay Pedelty, Prevention Specialist with Prairie Ridge Addictions in Mason City, IA, told the news program, "Two thirds of deaths associated with alcohol are from impairment problems. So this, starving myself so I'll become profoundly and significantly intoxicated, carries a significant risk for death or other health problems."
Click here for full article
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To Steer Teens Clear of Substance Abuse, Keep Them Moving, Study Suggests
Teenagers who are involved in sports or exercising are less likely to use drugs and smoke cigarettes compared with teens who are not as active, a new study suggests. However, Reuters reports that the study found high school athletes on teams drank more alcohol than their classmates who weren't on a team.
Click here to read full article
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