Pokorski carries anti-drug message

By Lucas Shriner, Moody Bible Institute Tuesday, December 15, 2009

http://www.hotspringsstar.com/articles/2009/12/15/hot_springs/school/doc4b267218430df333043392.txt

CHICAGO - Steven Pokorski, a 19-year-old student from Hot Springs, has caused a stir on the Moody Bible Institute campus, as he brought the idea of an anti-drug program with him to the city of Chicago.

Steven attended high school in Hot Springs where he helped start a small anti-drug program called Youth to Youth, prior to his graduation in 2009. He become a leader of the program in his junior year and attended three international conferences in Ohio 2007, California 2008, and Rhode Island 2009. He has been trained in many areas of youth drug prevention and program planning.

In the months to come Pokorski will meet with key staff of the Institute and Chicago Public Schools to present the program. Pokorski has the support of many United States senators, teachers, drug prevention workers, and military drug prevention personnel. With the help of key leaders and help from his former piers and colleagues, he plans to see the program jump start in the 2010/2011 school year.

Youth to Youth is a youth-led, adult-guided program that has spread throughout the United States and many foreign countries since the start of the head program in Columbus, Ohio in 1982. The program focuses on giving youth the skills to stand up against peer pressure and education on living healthy drug free lives.

Pokorski says he wants to see the light of the program shine in the city, “the program changed my life, without it I can’t say that I would be here today. The program empowers teens to make correct healthy choices for the future, and builds lasting relationships with positive people. I want to bring the light of this program to the youth of this city to promote a anti-drug movement that is pivotal to our upcoming generation.”

There are 1 comments:

billijo said on December 23, 2009 @ 01:59

Happy yac - what are your thoughts on this program? Any commentary about this post?

Youth ADHD Drug Abuse Growing

http://www.fwdailynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5347:Youth-ADHD-drug-abuse-growing&catid=100:terry-gaff&Itemid=136

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http://www.leducrep.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1767843

RCMP commonly run into youth experimenting with drugs, but what is concerning them lately is the youth involved in trafficking.

 Although Leduc RCMP had no official statistics, Const. Jodi Heidinger said she has been noticing more young offenders charged with trafficking, which can lead down a road of health, financial and criminal consequences.

 “I think commonly we run into kids who experiment with drugs on a regular basis,” she said.

 “What we have been seeing lately is the young offenders that have actually been involved in drug trafficking and that’s something that is a big concern to (RCMP).”

 Heidinger added that she hopes youth realize what they do today can affect their entire future.

 “Having a criminal record could limit the possibilities available to you in many ways,” she said.

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The How-To Guide for Everything You May Need to Know About the YAC Website

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Issue #1

Written by:
R.J. Edralin
Youth Advisory Council Coordinator
Council on Drug Abuse

As members of the CODA’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC), you are part of an amazing group of leaders who share a common goal in preventing drug abuse in your community.  Whether you’re talking in front of your entire school or speaking to your friends individually, you can make a difference by sharing with others what you know about drug abuse and prevention. 

But what difference will it make? Can being a member of YAC really change the world around you?  

Of course it can! As a YAC member, you will have the resources and the support of other YAC members in getting your message out there.  The YAC website - www.yacers.ca - is an exciting and interactive way for you to keep in touch with one another, learn from each other, and connect with others who share the same vision as you have in drug abuse prevention. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter!  From your own Youth Advisory Council at school to the Regional Youth Advisory Council in your province and all the way to the National Youth Advisory Council, you will have opportunities to network and meet each other through YAC activities and the YAC conferences.  Not only will you see the difference you make in your community, you will see the difference it makes in yourself.  You will begin to realize that there are countless possibilities for you to grow as a young leader.

Lady Gaga is an interesting example of a leader who is making an impact in our world today.  Through her extreme fashions, powerful statements, eccentric personality and of course – her catchy hit songs – she has been able to catch the attention of millions.  But with the media spotlight on this international pop music sensation, Lady Gaga is aware of the influence she can make on others.  Her interviews with various television hosts have provided her fans and the public with some sense of her passion for social justice and change.

Maybe some day you will have the same spot light as Lady Gaga.
Maybe. Maybe not.
But for today, you’re in a position that will give you many opportunities to act on important issues you’re passionate about. 

On her website, Lady Gaga says in her bio, “and now, I’m just trying to change the world…one sequin at a time.”

One sequin? One question? One poster? One announcement? One voice?

Something as small as a sequin is like a small step or a small difference towards change. One sequin can make a mark, but several sequins will dazzle. And like the many sequins on some of Lady Gaga’s outfits, there are many voices here on YAC. ---And we want to hear from you!

You have the attitude, the resources, and the support that can help you reduce and prevent drug abuse in your community.  How will you change the world around you? What’s your sequin?

There are 6 comments:

rrrrrj said on January 27, 2010 @ 12:47

My sequin is a blueberry. Or any berry actually. I love eating them. Apparently they're supposed to be healthy too...and surprisingly yummy so that's a bonus. It's also sharable. You can make friends when you share food. That is all. Yay!

ddelange said on January 27, 2010 @ 12:54

My sequin is books. No one really reads anymore, but it makes me happy. You can immerse yourself in a good story and forget about everything that you have to do and just relax!

kimna05 said on January 27, 2010 @ 12:56

Rj amazing article!! i love the lady gaga reference, .. hmm i wonder what my sepuin is.. keep up the amazing work!

megzy1989 said on January 27, 2010 @ 12:58

My sequin is also books. Because you can escape to into this amazing place and can imagine life like it should be. Plus it teaches you so much. Also rrrrrj blueberry's are a good way to make new friends. :)

billijo said on January 27, 2010 @ 01:25

My sequin is working with youth, who like RJ, are passionate about making and being a difference in the World. Great article!

Holly-Anne said on January 27, 2010 @ 09:33

My sequin is holding doors open for people. It may sound silly, but holding the door open for someone with too many textbooks or a baby carriage really makes a difference to that one person. You get a 'feel good' feeling when it happens to you and get the urge to pass it on!

Issue #3

Written by:
R.J. Edralin
Youth Advisory Council Coordinator
Council on Drug Abuse

Valentine’s Day was less than two weeks ago.  Many people use this one day to celebrate the love they have for their significant other and showing how much that person means to them in a special and festive way.

But why does this kind of affection only happen once a year?

As a YAC team, you have opportunities to host fun, creative events in your school community to promote drug abuse prevention.  You also have an amazing opportunity to attend the Annual YAC Conference where you can share experiences, learn from each other about youth drug abuse and what you can do to prevent it in your communities! But after these events, what can you do?

You can lead by example everyday. 

In the same way if you were dating someone, it would be more respectful to them if you express how much they mean to you any day (or everyday), instead of just relying on the holiday seasons. 

If you can’t say the words that your significant other wants to hear, you can show your emotions in other ways.

If you can’t get the full participation of students in your school community or can’t host many events, you can demonstrate your knowledge by making the right decisions and informing people of the harmful effects if you can.

Even if you’re single, you can still let your friends know how much you appreciate their time by being an active listener.

Whoever you may be discussing drug abuse prevention with - your family, friends, peers, or your significant other – it is one of the best ways to show how much you care for them because drug abuse could destroy those relationships. Then Valentine’s Day (or everyday) will not be the same without them in your lives.

So keep smiling and show everyone around you that you care!

What would your Valentine’s Day Drug Abuse Prevention Card say?

There are 2 comments:

rrrrrj said on February 24, 2010 @ 09:53

My card for you would say: "I like you because you don't do drugs." or "I don't need drugs, I need you" (awwwwww)

bjo said on March 8, 2010 @ 02:33

Mine would say "baby you can drive my car - sober" :)

Issue #7

Written by:
R.J. Edralin
Youth Advisory Council Coordinator
Council on Drug Abuse



Hello fellow YACers,
I hope you’re all doing well,
This week’s article will rhyme,
As Im sure you can tell.

It will be fun to read,
And you’ll learn something too.
You can gain the inspiration,
To create healthy change around you.

But in my previous articles
that has already been discussed!
So I’ll try this writing style,
And hopefully I can have your trust.

They say trust is something earned,
It’s not something you can quickly gain,
Such as the drug information we’ve given
you about weed, crack or coccaine.

The Drug Files available on our website,
are also found on CODA’s www.drugabuse.ca,
They are from certified health sources,
that are up to date and relevant today.

CODA believes in education and empowerment,
So you can make the informed healthy choices.
YAC continues to share in this mission.
Where we hear your thoughts, ideas, and voices.

The - trust - in using what you learn
To help your school and friends see
How harmful and dangerous
All those drugs can be.

The information maybe overwhelming,
Perhaps even hard to understand.
But at least you have these resources,
If things don’t go as planned.

You are part of an amazing team,
- The YAC team - which continues to grow.
It’s an exciting initiative,
that has only started a few years ago.

Lets keep this motion going,
Share it with your school or tell a friend.
Together we can prevent drug abuse,
and finally bring it to an end.

You can make a difference,
Whether it is big or small.
Let’s work together towards
A healthier future for all.

So if drug abuse ended today, what would you say?

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Issue #5

Written by:
R.J. Edralin
Youth Advisory Council Coordinator
Council on Drug Abuse

Being part of the YAC will bring many opportunities for you to develop your leadership skills! By working together, the entire YAC team will improve those skills which include organization, planning, time management, mentoring, teamwork, and communication.

Communication, as mentioned in the “What’s Up, YAC? – Journey the 7cs” article, states how to be an effective communicator in your school by raising awareness on drug abuse prevention and using the YAC website – www.yacers.ca – to keep in touch with other YACers across the country! And if you did not know already, you can also follow us on Twitter - yacers, and join our Facebook page - CODA Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

And there are other ways to demonstrate your leadership through communication!

Preventing substance abuse in your school community can be as simple as saying no.  Verbally, you can say no. Physically, you can show that you are making healthier choices.  But this might create a challenge with people around you when you hear things about drugs, especially those who are considered to be your friends.

With the resources provided by CODA and YAC, you are equipped with the knowledge of the harmful side effects of drugs as well as other information including their descriptions and their street names.  This will make you more aware of the language people use around you.    

If you hear something that can be offensive to someone else, such as words that can be discriminating towards someone’s race, religion, or sexual orientation, would you speak up? 

At times, people are not fully aware or conscious of what they are saying, the language they use, or who it might offend – they just don’t know.  It is similar to how others who continue to misuse drugs just don’t know about the consequences of drug abuse.  Because of this, it is important to communicate respectively with others so that there is awareness and action taken to stop these hurtful habits.

Feelings are hurt with words.
Bodies are hurt with drug abuse.
Lives are hurt knowing that this could have been prevented.

It is up to you as a YAC team to demonstrate your leadership abilities in your school community so that everyone is aware of how drugs, and even words, can affect people’s lives.  And it all starts with you!

Let’s prevent the hurting from happening!

How will you put the “U” in commUnication?

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Issue #2

Written by:
R.J. Edralin
Youth Advisory Council Coordinator
Council on Drug Abuse

As a YAC team in your school community, you have a great opportunity to share your knowledge about the risks of drug abuse and increase awareness on drug abuse prevention.  But even though your intentions are positive, you may face some negative challenges while you are getting your message across to others. 

We are all on the same boat with the same consistent message and vision.  
And as we sail on this boat, you can journey through these “7 Cs” that will keep you motivated on your adventures with YAC!

1.  Commitment
- As a YAC member, you have shown interest and dedication in preventing drug abuse in the community around you.  Take time to reflect on why you are part of YAC.  Maybe you want to be more involved at school? Maybe you feel it can one day lead to a future with no drug abuse? Or maybe you know someone who can benefit from our important message? Whatever your reason is, it’s going to drive your passion in staying committed.

2.  Communication
- Effective communication will help you raise awareness in your community.  Posters, announcements, presentations, or skits are some examples of the many ways you can be heard! You can even use our website – www.yacers.ca – as another resource in your promotional activities.  The Online YAC Community will allow you to network with your friends and other YAC members on the website.  You can also keep up to date through our Facebook and Twitter updates!

3.  Character
- As a young leader, you will be able to develop your leadership skills in the community.  You can become an active role model to young children, your circle of friends, or even the adults in your life.  The qualities you possess as a leader will build on your character in the position you have as a YAC member.    

4.  Co-operation
- As individuals, you can all contribute your own perspectives and ideas in your YAC meetings.  This creates a brilliant team dynamic where everyone can have a voice in what is being planned.  You will be more productive as a team if you work together because you all share a common goal – reducing and preventing drug abuse! 

5.  Conflict
- Sometimes conflict can be negative and go against your mission (such as busy schedules, not enough commitment, lack of school support, etc.) However, it can provide an opportunity for change to happen, provide an opportunity for others to speak up, and allow room for any revisions that need to be made.  If appropriately resolved, conflict can even inspire new innovative directions!

6.  Compassion
- Our goal is to reduce and prevent drug abuse in youth, which can be a very sensitive subject, especially to those who have directly experienced related incidents in their lives.  Unfortunately we cannot control these life events, but we can provide education so that we can prevent these unpleasant effects from happening in our world.  As YAC members, we are aware of the pain and misfortune that drug abuse can lead to and education is a valuable way to help others make the right decisions.

7.  Creativity
- Think outside the box, brainstorm ideas, and you can engage others with your creative mind! If you’re smiling and laughing with your YAC team while planning events, you can share those smiles and laughs with the rest of your school community.  The energy and effort you put into your YAC activities will bring life to your message and can also encourage other youth to participate.  And of course, have fun! Your experience on YAC will be more enjoyable and memorable!

The adventure through these “7 Cs” can help you with your experience on YAC because it’s not always easy sailing when you’re trying to get your message out there. 

But as you journey on your boat with your YAC team through these 7 Cs, you may encounter some chaotic storms and calm waves in the future.  With CODA and YAC acting as your paddles, how do you “C” yourself motivating others to row the boat?
 

There are 4 comments:

rrrrrj said on February 3, 2010 @ 04:46

I "C" myself being [c]ute to motivate others. (Awww, right?) Well, It does not necessarily mean being physically cute, but it can demonstrate active qualities such as being polite, funny, thoughtful, optimistic, and creative. It makes the school/work environment a lot more pleasant and productive! I would also "C" myself as being [c]ool, because cool people don't do drugs!

bjo said on February 4, 2010 @ 11:06

I "C" myself motivating other through CARING. I care a lot about the cause and others.

Horus said on February 4, 2010 @ 11:20

I "C" said the blind man to his deaf wife.

ddelange said on February 9, 2010 @ 10:10

I 'c' myself as a leader. I hope to make a difference in the lives of others and I hope that i will be able to achieve this with the help of others.

Issue #6 - Go Green

Written by:
R.J. Edralin
Youth Advisory Council Coordinator
Council on Drug Abuse

 

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with stories of St. Patrick, shamrocks, clovers, and of course - the colour green! From the green decorations to green clothes to green food, this colour is everywhere!

Along side this festive fun, this day is also known to have celebrations that involve an increased consumption of alcohol. It’s important to know that this can lead to alcohol abuse.

Here at CODA, our mission is to reduce and prevent drug abuse through empowering youth with education. Alcohol is another substance that can lead to destructive consequences when it is misused, especially the harmful effects if drugs and alcohol are mixed. This is also another kind of abuse that can be prevented through education.

Although it can be easy to get caught up in the energy of any holiday, such as St. Patrick’s Day, it is important to be conscious of what is happening around you. You have the choice to make the healthiest decisions for yourself with the knowledge and resources from CODA and YAC. And of course, you can share your information with others and lead by example!

As many people "go green" on this day, it is also important to keep an environmentally conscious mind! If you put up posters around your school community, don’t forget that you can recycle them too! You can use old magazines or cardboard to create interesting shapes and letters for bigger posters. You could hold contests for students who can collect the most cans and raise awareness on both recycling AND drug abuse prevention. As a YAC team, you can make it exciting! There are so many fun and creative ways you can promote your positive messages!

So as we continue on with the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, we will see more and more people wearing green - t-shirts, shoes, pants, accessories, and hair?!

Hmmmm...Perhaps this could be considered to be "Green-abuse?"

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