McFarland Partners in Prevention shares your concern with the trends we see in our youth regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. McFarland is not unique in noting increases in the drug, alcohol, cigarette use and other risky behaviors. National statistics are also showing illegal substances are more easily available and use of these is occurring at earlier ages.
The good news it that current studies tell us that there are ways we can help students to make better choices about drug, alcohol, tobacco use; however, this must be a consistent, comprehensive community effort.
McFarland Partners in Prevention (MPIP) was pleased to be able to sponsor a workshop for our community organizations and groups, to share information and develop ways to help our McFarland youth be successful in resisting the use of illegal substance. The workshop was held on Saturday, April 19, 1997. We invited a "team" of 2-4 people from various organizations to be a part of this significant step.
Research has reinforced the fact that if a child has many positive factors (assets) in place in his/her life, then your child is less likely to be involved in risky behaviors. (Alcohol use, drugs, reckless use of vehicle, tobacco use, sexuality, depression/suicide, anti-social behavior & violence, school failure)
This workshop let us know how to bring positive factors into the life of our youth. In order for this message to be successful, we need to send a consistent and clear message to our youth. This message needs to come from the four main sectors in our village - parents/families - community organizations - schools - congregations.
Our vision & challenge: To enable McFarland community groups, parents, organizations, and congregations to provide positive, ongoing and consistent messages to our youth. We expect to reduce risky behaviors by increasing the number of positive factors (assets) in the lives of the youth in our community.
If one or more of these support systems fail to send consistent messages, we are likely to fail in our efforts. The time to share this research is now. Our children want to succeed. Let's give them many opportunities for success!
If you have any questions please e-mail Jim Hartman