October 2014 Newsletter | notMYkid.org
October 23, 2014
In This Issue
notMYkid Updates
Red Ribbon Week 2014: "What's Your Plus?"

Each year, the Red Ribbon Campaign "serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities."  For this year's campaign, which runs from October 23rd through October 31st, notMYkid and amplif(i) are asking, "What's Your Plus?"

Preventing drug abuse among young people involves more than just abstinence from harmful substances.  It requires the addition of positive, inspiring, and healthy activities and interests.  That's why we're asking you what positive things you add to your life in place of drugs and alcohol. We encourage you to record a short video of yourself discussing your "Plus" and post it to our Facebook walls for notMYkid and amplif(i). We're going to be reposting some of the best contributions and sharing them with all of our Facebook and Twitter followers and would love to see your Plus.  Join us in inspiring positive life choices!  

This video offers an example, as do these two early contributions: #1 #2
notMYkid in the Community
"Back to School" Drug Prevention Campaign a Success
 
Coinciding with the start of the new school year, notMYkid embarked on a two-month national "Back to School" substance abuse prevention campaign in August and September. Designed to equip students and parents with the necessary tools to help children and adolescents resist the peer pressure to use drugs, the campaign provided free family substance abuse prevention plans and First Check home drug test kits to thousands of parents and families in several cities across the nation.

The response to the campaign was excellent and enthusiastic, both from our partners in emergency medicine and law enforcement, and from the families reached by the campaign.  Likewise, the "Back to School" events drew a lot of attention from local and national media outlets.  We look forward to continuing the campaign next school year, and reaching more families and students than ever before.         
October 2014 Donor Spotlight: First Check Diagnostics

Our "Back to School" substance abuse prevention campaign wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of First Check Diagnostics. Year after year, First Check has remained notMYkid's biggest donor. Each year, First Check donates 10,000 home drug test kits (a $400,000 value) to notMYkid, allowing us to equip families with one of the best tools to prevent drug abuse.  Additionally, First Check contributes $150,000 annually to notMYkid, to allow our message of positive life choices to reach as many students, parents, and school faculty members as possible. We at notMYkid would like to extend a big "Thank You" to First Check for their generosity and for being a very important ally in the battle to prevent youth substance abuse.  We couldn't do it without you.      

Parent Blog - "What if Dinner Could Save a Life?"

 

 

by Shane Watson

What if I told you that something as simple as a family dinner has the potential to save a life?  It sounds incredible, doesn't it?  Or perhaps it sounds like an exaggeration.  However, I'm not so much talking about what's on the table as I am referring to who's at the table.

Click here to read the rest of the blog on notMYkid.org.
Upcoming notMYkid Events
notMYkid to Host Free Bullying Prevention Event 
 
In recent years the face of bullying has changed and its reach has grown. With the increased popularity of mobile devices, social networking, and communications apps, a whole new dimension of challenges has been added to childhood and adolescent relationships. Kids can be devastated by the effects, and parents and educators can feel overwhelmed by the prospect of dealing with the situation.

However, the good news is that a greater understanding of the dynamics of bullying has been reached, and better prevention tools have been created. notMYkid is excited to share the knowledge and tools we've acquired with parents and adolescents at a 
FREE community event on November 5th.

Adults will be treated to a presentation created in conjunction with behavioral health professionals and delivered by a member of local law enforcement. Teens will experience a special presentation from one of our young adult Peer Educators, sharing their personal story of overcoming bullying, with teachable keys to behavioral health included.  
     

This special event is open to all adults, and children and teens 11 years old and above.    


Seating is limited, so please RSVP today via the following link: 

If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Jansen Neff via phone at (602) 652-0163 x110 or via email at [email protected]

Date: Wednesday, November 5th
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: notMYkid office - 5230 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 .
   
You make it possible for notMYkid to take a message of hope and positive life choices to students, parents, and educators in Arizona.  It's because of your generosity that notMYkid is able to reach so many young people across the state and prevent the pain, sorrow, and even death that can result from destructive youth behaviors. 
 
Suzanne at table  
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Your donation is tax-deductible.  Please click the button above to support notMYkid's prevention education programs.  

 
At notMYkid, we inspire positive life choices by educating our community about the consequences of destructive youth behaviors. Young adults who have overcome life-controlling addictions and behaviors share their personal stories with middle and high school students. In an effort to promote our prevention message we educate adults on the same addictions and destructive behaviors. Our goal is to increase awareness of the challenges kids face, provide information, and offer resources to support the success of students, families, and educators.

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notMYkid | 602-652-0163 | [email protected] | http://www.notmykid.org
5230 East Shea Boulevard
Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85254




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