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Happy ThanksgivingThis week as we pause to give thanks, we wish to thank each of you for the work you do to protect our young and build a stronger society and democracy. In keeping with the spirit of this special week, today we spotlight individuals who are making a difference in their communities. Children's Council shares data with local clergy The Covington County, Alabama, Children’s Policy Council will host a symposium Tues., Dec. 1, to allow local religious leaders to view and discuss Pride Survey results from each of the county’s three school systems, according to Susan Short, CPC director The Pride Survey, which is given each year to students in grades 6 through 12, is used to provide data concerning students’ views on tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use. “These surveys do not have student’s names on them and give officials a snapshot into their lives and an idea on how they think about and perceive risk and parental disapproval,” Short said. “It’s very insightful information.” “As religious leaders, our pastors need to be well aware of the many challenges that our young people face in Covington County,” she said. “We continue to have a high level of use — especially alcohol use — among our youth. Drug use affects everyone — communities, families and young people. You’ve got to remember that attending a religious program is still a protective factor in preventing many of these high risk factors because it lessens the likelihood of using those things.” “A lot of parents might know about their child’s drug use and will turn to the religious family for help,” she said. “It makes sense for our religious leaders to know the facts so they can help.” Judge Frank “Trippy” McGuire, the county’s juvenile judge and CPC chairman, will act as the host for the event. Guest speakers include Lt. Lance Price of the Alabama Beverage Control Board and Covington County Sheriff Dennis Meeks. School officials set to attend include Andalusia’s Bob Harry, Opp Superintendent Michael Smithart and Covington County Schools’ Ann Shakespeare, who are each safe and drug free school coordinators. Cost is $4 per person, and dinner will be provided. The event will be held in the PowerSouth boardroom, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. (From the Andalusia Star-News) Wilson coalition uses data to demonstrate easy alcohol accessWhen a Wilson, NC, couple was charged with providing alcohol to minors, Erin Day of the Wilson County Substance Abuse Coalition was able to show that alcohol is easy to obtain for youth as young as 11. Ms. Day cited statistics from the Pride Survey that showed that 37% of students between 11 and 15 years of age said alcohol was easy to get.
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Oct. 13, 2009 Pride
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