Vision
Racine County is a place where youth assets are increasing and all youth are healthy, involved and successful members of the community.
Mission
The Racine County Youth Coalition engages agencies, business partners, communities, families and schools, to promote and foster positive change in community practices, public policy, and youth programming in order to build assets and reduce risk behaviors including substance abuse among all Racine County young people.
Interested in joining the RCYC?
Contact Megan Kroes at Focus on Community for more information. (262) 632-6200 rcyc@focusracine.org Have information for the RCYC newsletter? Contact Erin Morey. (262) 632-6200 erin768@yahoo.com |
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Two Great Events In AprilLife Of An Athlete
On Wednesday, March 28th, fifty student athletes from across Racine County attended a youth summit at Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha, WI. These students were selected from grades 8-11, and wanted to become active leaders within their athletic programs at their home schools. The presenter, John Underwood, is a dynamic speaker who is passionate about educating athletes, coaches and parents about the effects of alcohol on the body and brain as well as ways to boost athletic performance.
The student athletes, coaches and athletic directors participated in an all day workshop to strengthen their code of conduct and substance free policies within their schools. This was a day of action and reflection. Students were engaged in making changes to the athletic culture in their schools. It was also a time for them to reflect on their choices, and to make a declaration that they will remain substance free, be effective leaders and to maximize their athletic potential.
Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking
The Racine County Youth Coalition and Focus on Community, Inc. would like to extend a huge thank you to Your Choice, the substance abuse awareness group which presented at the town hall meeting, Park High School, specifically Activities Director Jeff Miller, who provided a wonderful space to meet, and all the parent and teen attendees!
This event was a great success, and we received positive feedback from everyone who participated.
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Study Finds Widespread Use of Alcohol and Drugs Among U.S. Teenagers
A survey of more than 10,000 U.S. teenagers found that by late adolescence, 78 percent had consumed alcohol, and about 15 percent met the criteria for alcohol abuse.
The survey also found 81 percent said they had the opportunity to use illicit drugs, and 42.5 percent actually did so. Among those surveyed, 16 percent were abusing drugs.
Click here to read the full article
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Painkiller Sales Soar Around US, Fuel Addiction
Sales of the nation's two most popular prescription painkillers have exploded in new parts of the country, an Associated Press analysis shows, worrying experts who say the push to relieve patients' suffering is spawning an addiction epidemic. From New York's Staten Island to Santa Fe, N.M., Drug Enforcement Administration figures show dramatic rises between 2000 and 2010 in the distribution of oxycodone, the key ingredient in OxyContin, Percocet and Percodan. Some places saw sales increase sixteenfold. Meanwhile, the distribution of hydrocodone, the key ingredient in Vicodin, Norco and Lortab, is rising in Appalachia, the original epicenter of the painkiller epidemic, as well as in the Midwest. Click here to read the full article. |
Teens End Up In Emergency Room After Drinking Hand Sanitizer
 After six teenagers suffered alcohol poisoning from drinking hand sanitizer in California, public health officials are warning parents to look out for signs of abuse.
The teens showed up in two emergency rooms in the last few months, the Los Angeles Times reports. Some of them used salt to separate the alcohol from the hand sanitizer. This makes it a drink that is similar in potency to a shot of hard liquor, the article notes.
Click here to read the full article.
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The Burden Of Underage Drinking in Wisconsin
Underage drinking costs Wisconsin approximately $1.6 billion each year in:
- Youth violence: $570.8 million
- Youth traffic crashes: $302.2 million
- Youth injury as a result of alcohol: $59.7 million
- Youth property crime: $41.7 million1
Wisconsin's youth drink alcohol too young, too much and too often with tragic short and power long- term consequences. Social hosting encourages binge drinking, alcohol poisoning and unintentional injuries like falls or drowning. Simply taking away the keys is not the answer. The law is simple if you purchase, pour or provide alcohol for underage drinkers you can be held liable for the resulting damages that youth incurs under state law. Homeowners' insurance policies don't extend liability coverage for illegal activities. Don't put your financial future at risk. IT'S NOT WORTH IT!
Parents, grandparents and other adults hosting parties for youth under age 21 should plan family and teenage events carefully to prevent underage alcohol use. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these simple guidelines when hosting parties that include teens:
- Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season.
- Refuse to supply alcohol to underage drinkers or allow drinking in your home or on your property.
- Be at home when your teenager has a party.
- Make sure your teenager's friends do not bring alcohol into your home.If youth bring alcohol into your home, confiscate it immediately.
- Talk to other parents about alcohol-free youth events. Unity creates a tough, enforceable message.
- Report underage drinking to authorities promptly.
Underage Drinking in WI, prepared by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) October 2006.
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An Asset a MonthSearch Institute has identified 40 positive experiences and qualities that all of us have the power to bring into the lives of children and youth, which are called Developmental Assets. For many people, the assets have become a source of ideas and inspiration in the face of frustration and even despair.
 CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIMEC reative Activities | Young person spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts. Youth Programs | Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in community organizations.
Religious Community | Young person spends one hour or more per week in activities in a religious institution.
Time at Home | Young person is out with friends "with nothing special to do" two or fewer nights per week.
Looking closer at the Assets
The pace of everyday life varies depending on the activities young people participate in. These fluctuations are normal, even healthy. As long as young people don't consistently have too much to do or not enough to do, they're right on track. Problems arise when the balance begins to tip too far to one side or the other. Too much involvement can lead to stress or anxiety. Too little involvement can be a sign of depression or isolation. Ensure that young people constructively use their time for both fun and learning. Constructive Use of Time is one of eight asset categories that make up Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
Here are the FactsResearch shows that young people are more likely to grow up healthy when they have opportunities to learn new skills and interests through both structured and unstructured activities. Search Institute has identified four assets in the Constructive Use of Time category that are crucial for helping young people grow up healthy. Results for Racine County Youth For more information on the 40 Developmental Assets, visit www.racinecountyyouthcoalition.org.
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Next Racine County Youth Coalition Meeting
Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:30-1:00 Mount Pleasant Municipal Building
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