1 866 MUST B 21 (1 866 687 8221)

Heard about any unsupervised drinking parties your underage child may end up at this weekend? Do you know where underage youth are drinking right now or later tonight? Many Junior High and High Schoolers seek out homes in Lawrence, college friends' apartments and land just outside of town to have drinking parties with no adult supervision every weekend. Unfortunately, it is far too easy to get alcohol as a minor in Lawrence so, put 2 and 2 together and a dangerous situation is created.

What should concerned parents and community members do? Call for help. The Kansas Department of Transportation offers the 1-866-MUST-B-21 hot line to help curb underage drinking. The toll-free tip line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is available for citizens to anonymously report parties involving underage drinking, plans to purchase alcohol for underage persons, and retailers who sell alcohol to underage persons.
Help us all keep kids safe and use this valuable service used by communities all across Kansas.

To anonymously report underage drinking or the sale of alcohol to a minor, call:

•1-866-MUST-B-21

PARENTS-ALCOHOL EDU COURSE ONLINE

Universities across the country, including KU, require students to take an AlcoholEdu online course as freshmen. There is now a version for parents to take called AlcoholEdu for high school parents. Although it is called "for high school parents" it is a great tool for parents of younger children as well.

This is a FREE 15-minute Prevention Course designed to help parents have an effective conversation with their son or daughter about underage drinking. This is not your typical resource website.

AlcoholEdu for Parents helps parents to understand Social Host Liability, dispels common incorrect perceptions about underage drinking, assists with strategies and techniques for monitoring and setting rules, gives guidance on what to do if your teen is experimenting, and shares expert advice for dealing with common situations.

I encourage you each to experience it for yourself and share with your friends and colleagues.

Logging in is easy and it is always available!

1. Go to http://highschoolparents.alcoholedu.com
2. Under New User type: share
3. Click “Sign Up”!
Here are a few ideas to distribute to parents you know across Lawrence.

• Promote the course - more than once throughout the year – prevention is a sustained effort.
• Put these instructions on your Website/Facebook Page so it is easy for parents to find them.
• Encourage parents to share with their peers.

Pass it on to other Lawrence Parents - especially those with elementary students. It is never too early to learn how to talk to your kids about alcohol.

Fake ID 101 is a Lawrence initiative to get our under 21's reason to think twice about using a fake ID in this town. Kansas Department of Transportation has given Douglas County a grant to put more enforcement on the streets and more educational information in front of those minors who are using or thinking about using fake ID's
Heads up.
If you're under 21 years old and plan on using a fake or borrowed ID to get into a bar or buy alcohol in Lawrence, you may want to think again. Extra law enforcement will be on the lookout for individuals using fake ids this fall semester. And if you are caught, it will cost you more than just a little embarrassment. Find out about the consequences...
Check out our web site at www.newtraditioncoalition.org

Ever heard of Well Commons?
It is a web site community working to improve health in Douglas County, KS. The New Tradition Coalition is linked up to this site and we support its cause.
http://wellcommons.com/groups/new-tradition-coalition/

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW TRADITION COALITION

The New Tradition Coalition has been operating for three years and has already made an impact in our community. Here are some of the things we have been involved in:
Lawrence Social Hosting Laws
Fake ID 101 initiative
S.A.F.E. Homes directory of like minded Lawrence families
Parent Network group with monthly meetings to discuss teen issues.
Web site with parent resources
This Blog site that keeps the community current on underage drinking and substance abuse issues
School, government, health and law enforcement agencies network
And... up to now, we have been unfunded and worked strictly with volunteers.

Because of the hard work of all of our volunteers, we have been awarded a federal "Drug Free Community Grant" that will enable us to move forward on bigger and better programs for Lawrence. Proudly, we are one of 176 recipients and the only one in Kansas. Originally funded by Congress in 1997 with the understanding that local problems need local solutions, the Drug Free Communities (DFC) program now supports over 700 drug-free community coalitions across the United States. As a cornerstone of ONDCP's National Drug Control Strategy, DFC provides the funding necessary for communities to identify and respond to local substance use problems.

Congratulations to all who worked on the grant, who are on the coalition and to the City of Lawrence who will reap the rewards.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/sep/02/coalition-receives-grant-combat-teen-drug-use-drin/#comments

VOTE & SUPPORT BONNER SPRINGS SADD CHAPTER TODAY!

Help support the Bonner Springs High School SADD Chapter. They have submitted a video for the Act Out loud Competition. Go to www.actoutloud.org and vote for Bonner Springs SADD once, every day until May 21. $10,000 is on the line!

Act Out Loud is a teen-led movement to take on the No. 1 killer of teens -- car crashes. It's time to raise your voice against distracted driving in your community. Support KS SADD and vote for Bonner Springs! Only four days left to vote, including today. http://www.actoutloud.org/#/home

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT STARTING AT HOME

Want to know what you can do to help achieve change in our community? Here are some proven strategies. You can start at home. Work small and begin to network with families you know and community leaders to keep all of our Lawrence youth safe and free of alcohol and drugs.

Seven Strategies to Achieve Community Change

1.Gathering information-educational presentations, workshops or seminars or other presentations of data (like reading this blog!)

2.Enhancing skills-Workshops, seminars or other activities designed to increase the skills of parents and caregivers.

3.Providing support- Creating opportunities to support people in your network and community organizations. Stay tuned in August for another year of the LAWRENCE PARENT GROUP.

4.Enhancing access/reducing barriers- Creating options and opportunities for our youth to make healthy social choices. Group activities with a sense of adventure are sought after by young people.

5.Changing consequences (incentives/disincentives)- Let our youth know the consequences before they make their choices. Reward good behavior. Follow through with consequences.

6.Physical design- Changing the physical design or structure of your environment. Limit access to alcohol (and perscription drugs) in your home and ask other families to do the same.

7.Modifying/changing policies- Know your local laws, school policies and state laws. Talk to community leaders about enforcing and strengthening our laws to help keep kids safe.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION FORUM WEDNESDAY

Mark you calendar for this Wednesday April 7, 2010 for the Third Annual Town Hall Discussion on underage drinking in Lawrence. John Drees has a powerful presentation on a night in the ER. It's real! The Lawrence Police Department will also have a presentation about we they and we all can and are doing to keep our teens safe. Click on the link below for more information.
http://newtraditioncoalition.com/default.aspx

AOPOLO OHNO "NO" TO UNDERAGE DRINKING

Apolo Anton Ohno Partners with The Century Council to Promote Ask, Listen, Learn Nationwide

Most Decorated U.S. Winter Olympian to Launch Apolo Anton Ohno Foundation; First initiative is a five-city tour to encourage kids to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking.

See the full story at...
https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:9612.6612189104/rid:bd928ca492d3e8c43ab0f81f7ebb5fd4

KANSAS RATES HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE

Underage drinking is a significant issue that affects every Kansas community and it is a huge drain on our state budget. The Kansas Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Committee has put together some research information to educate communities and state leaders about how underage drinking affects Kansans.

The white paper outlines the effects of underage drinking; youth alcohol use rates in Kansas; the economic impact of underage drinking; current Kansas policies to reduce youth access; and suggested policy changes and effective strategies to address this issue.

The Kansas Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Committee encourages you to distribute this document widely throughout your networks via e-mail, newsletters, listserv, social networking pages (facebook, Twitter, etc.,) and Web sites. For questions or additional information about the document, contact Keri Renner at: krenner@kansasfamily.com or Michelle Voth at: mhvoth@kansasfamily.com or call Kansas Family Partnership at 1-800-206-7231.

http://www.kansasfamily.com/documents/KSSOSUAD2010.pdf

FAKE ID 101 CAMPAIGN

Lawrence law enforcement conducts first of four fake ID stings in Lawrence.

Lawrence police performed the first of four planned fake ID stings at local businesses Monday. The stings are part of a two-month effort to reduce underage drinking.

Look for the Fake ID poster in your neighborhood businesses and high schools.
http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/2010/02/ku_mclovins_beware_fake_id_crackdown_underway_in_lawrence.php

SUPPORT PROJECT GRADUATION

Last year, nearly 1/3 of youth under 21 killed in traffic crashes died in alcohol related crashes during April, May and June -- Prom and Graduation

Open the link below for Project Graduation contact information. Support this drug/alcohol free party for all Lawrence graduating seniors.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/apr/04/graduation-party-give-safe-option-seniors/

NEW TRADITION COALITION TO APPLY FOR GRANT

In order to serve our community better, the New Tradition Coalition is applying for a Federal Grant aimed at helping community coalitions just like ours. We'll keep you posted!
See the full press release at:
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1001215249.aspx

Press Release:
Date: 1/21/2010
Media Contact: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Press Office


ONDCP and SAMHSA Accepting Applications for $18.75 Million to Harness the Power of Drug Free Community Coalitions
WASHINGTON, DC—The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced the availability of new Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program funding. ONDCP expects to award approximately $18.75 million for 150 new competing grants to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth.

SOCIAL HOSTING LAWS IN LAWRENCE

The recent KU parent newsletter included a small article about our city's social hosting ordinance. Click the link below to read it. Please share this with your child whether they are under 21 or over 21, it is against the law to host underage drinking.

http://www.vpss.ku.edu/Parent_enews/1109/#Party

The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is underway. Encourage your community of kids and teens to participate in service work and make some holiday cards for our soldiers. Visit http://www.redcross.org/ for more details.

PARENT TO PARENT

One of the best ways to let your teen care is to connect with the parents and families of their friends. Connecting with other parents is a great way to create some accountability as our teens get older and have more independence. With our busy schedules, this may be easier said than done. Here are a few things we can do with little effort. You undoubtedly have more ideas. Please leave your comments below. Remember, it really does take a village.

• Sit with other parents when attending sporting events.


• When dropping off or picking up your child at a friend's house, go up to the door to meet the parents.


• Ask your child to introduce you to parents when you are at school events or other functions.


• Ask your child to introduce themselves, say hello and good bye every time they go to someone else's home. Parents need to know who is in their home.


• Call parents who have hosted your child and say thanks.


• Invite your child's friends parents and family over for a visit.


• Go to parent meetings hosted at Free State High School every month. Invite other parents as well. (See schedule on this blog.)


• Make sure your child knows you want their friends to say hello and good bye when they come over. Ask your child to let his/her friends know that you expect them to touch base when they come over.


• Exchange cell numbers, work numbers and email addresses of parents whose children are close to yours.


• Sign the Parent Pledge and join the Parent Directory on this blog site.

KU STUDENT INPUT REQUESTED

On October 22, 2009, the following lettter was sent to all KU students asking about alcohol-related policies at KU. We applaud Emily C. Williams, Chairwoman, Graduate Student for The Committee to Combat Alcohol Abuse and Investigate Related Policy for making this discussion happen.

Fellow Jayhawks,

This semester a committee was formed by the Student Senate Student Rights Committee to look at alcohol abuse at KU and policies regarding alcohol that affect students. We are the only body looking at this issue that was formed by students and is made up entirely of students.

The committee created a short survey that will help us recommend whether any changes to existing alcohol-related policies should be made to ensure that the University of Kansas remains a safe place for all students. Please spend 10 minutes taking the following survey and giving us your input. Your participation is invaluable. This is the time to make your voice heard! If you have a suggestion, we want to hear it.

The information given in the survey is confidential and will be used only to gauge student awareness and to collect student opinions regarding current alcohol-related policies. No personal information will be released and no personally identifiable information is being collected.

Survey: http://studentvoice.com/ukan/rightssubctesurvey09.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the committee, please send an email to rightssubcomm@ku.edu or call the Student Senate office at 785-864-3710. If you have any difficulties with the survey link, call the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success at 864-4060 for technical assistance.

Also, any student is welcome to join our conversation. The final meetings of the committee will be:

Thursday, Oct. 22 at 8:15pm in Alderson (Union) Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7:00pm in the International Room (Union) Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7:00pm in the Jayhawk Room (Union) Thursday, Nov. 12 at 8:00pm the Big 12 Room (Union)

Please join us!

Rock Chalk,
Emily Williams

Emily C. Williams
Chairwoman, Graduate Student
The Committee to Combat Alcohol Abuse and Investigate Related Policy rightssubcomm@ku.edu 785-864-3710

Please join us! The New Tradition Coalition, in conjunction with the Kansas Elks State Drug Awareness Program, will be tailgating at the Free State vs. Lawrence High football game this Friday, October 23rd. Like the New Tradition Coalition, the Elks are dedicated to preventing the use of alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drugs by the youth in our community.
Look for our trailer at the Free State Football Stadium. We will be located in the designated tailgating area, just to the West of the school (the former band practice field) between Overland Drive and the baseball stadium. We will be encouraging people to join the many Lawrence families who have signed the SAFE HOME Pledge, like you did! Plus we will have lots of free materials, door-prizes and the fatal vision goggles for people to experience.

FREE STATE vs. LAWRENCE HIGH TAILGATE PARTY

The New Tradition Coalition, in conjunction with the Kansas Elks State Drug Awareness Program will be tailgating at the Free State vs. Lawrence High football game on October 23, 2009. Like the New Tradition Coalition, the Elks are dedicated to preventing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs by the youth of our country. Look for our trailer at the Free State Football Stadium. Join the many Lawrence families who have signed the SAFE HOME Pledge. More details to come...

COMMUNITY HEALTH FORUM and FAIR

The 1st Community Health Forum and Fair was held at the 9th Street Baptist Outreach Center on May 30, 2009. It was organized by the members of the Health and Wellness Ministry including Dr. J. Kenoly, First Lady Carmen White and, Chrystal Lumpkins, PhD. Discussions included Substance Abuse and Prevention, Mental Health, Nutrition, Weight Loss and Exercise, Smoking Cession, Diabetes Support and Health Maintenance. There were screenings for Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar. And, everyone got a pedometer to promote walking 10,000 steps a day.

Health and Wellness Ministry members strive to promote programs focused on providing health education, wellness and health risk reduction to empower members to become more active in caring for their physical, mental, and emotional health in addition to their spiritual health. On May 30th, they did just that. Congratulations for a wonderful program!