Giving kids and teens the tools they need to stay alcohol-, tobacco-, and drug-free.

Franklin Grand Isle Youth Advisory Council
Sheldon Elementary School
April 14, 2003

1. Present: Grady Stoddard (15), Randy Thompson (14), Margaret Wilson, Jeanne Smith, Tricia Cassidy (13), Lindsay Snider (14), Crystal Lampman, Raichelle Doyle (20), Beth Crane, Nathan Chates (18) Happy Birthday, Nate! (April 1)

2. Youth Initiated Grants: Lindsay reported on the youth-initiated grants process. Beth passed out a theory of change and shared the logic model. Then the group brainstormed some theories about causes and prevention:
Causes of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use:
(Community level): Not a lot for kids to do--not a lot of healthy alternatives to choose from (Jeanne)
(Peer) They think it's cool
Prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use:
(Family/behavior, attitudes) Parents: I don't use because my parents [set boundaries; set example of responsible use; communicate values to their kids]
(Peer-Knowledge & attitudes) Based on my own experience--it isn't fun; seeing what it's done to friends and people you care about
(School, peer-knowledge): Knowing the facts--what happens when you're under the influence
(School/community/family-knowledge) Consequences (knowing penalties, restrictions getting caught and punished places on your life); consistent consequences (know someone who got busted...) (Community/school-behavior): Having alternatives in a positive environment
(Community/school; family; peer-attitude): Having positive adult role models who value youth

Violence:
Types: verbal, emotional, physical Can be over dumb stuff or drugs, relationships, rumors, isolation, threats, intolerance based on racial/ethnic, cultural, or sexual preference; cliques-gang allegience, date rape, anger, use of negative epithets, harrassment. Results from poor understanding, poor communication.
Possible prevention:
learn to communicate effectively, practice assertiveness not aggression, bringing people of diverse backgrounds together at an early age

This information will be incorporated in to the RFP being distributed shortly. The grant period will extend from May 15 to September 15.

3. TeenFest Venue: MVU fell through for June; Cody and Crystal will pursue BFA; Jeanne Smith and Tricia will pursue Enosburg. A decision will be reached by the end of this week (before vacation).

Performer/presenters: Crystal and Lindsay reviewed a list of potential presenters, including:
· Jason Piet, 17 year old high school student and 2002 mayoral candidate in Newport, VT
· Ginger Katz, mother of heroin OD victim (we can't afford her)
· Snake Star/Yvonne Laseter
· Emergency room nurses who do presentations on drunk & drugged driving
· Maggie Sherman/Handshake Casting: building responsibility, respect, tolerance & cooperation
· OVX/Jamie McGurn on tobacco awareness/media literacy
· Melissa Walton, Voices Against Violence on healthy relationships (aimed at girls)
· RAP program presenter on healthy relationships (aimed at boys)
· Moderated round-table/fishbowl on the impact of war (possible moderators or counselors to facilitate: Madeleine Nash, Phyllis Tiffany)
· coffeehouse
· games by SADD/VTLSP/OVX chapters
Nathan, Lindsay, and Raichelle will work with Crystal to contact presenters (meeting at FCCCP in St. Albans on 4/22); the Enosburg group will follow up with SADD/VTLSP leaders
Food: BFA or Kaye Mehaffey's SADD group, depending on location?
Pepsi sponsorship
Lunch- Cody looking into a deal from Subway

4. Next Meeting
April 28: TeenFest planning: 3:30-5:00 PM. Location TBA.
May 12: General YAC meeting 3:30-5:00 PM Location TBA