As I sit here to write my first newsletter article as the new UBHCHY Chair, I find myself reflecting over the past several years. Prior to joining the UBHCHY coalition I was not familiar with the world of prevention and coalitions, I was simply a concerned parent wanting to do my best raising two amazing children. As the world of the Search Institute’s 40 Assets opened up to me, I’ve been consistently amazed at the number of people and resources available that are dedicated and focused on providing support to parents, educators and youth, allowing us all to reach our fullest potential. I’m proud to be a part of this new-found community!
In recent newsletters, you’ve heard about the great work being done through activities such as the Social Norms Campaigns in our middle schools, the Performing Arts Festival, the Strengthening Families Program, and installation of permanent prescription drug drop boxes, just to name just a few.
In this issue, you’ll see first-hand the variety of activities in which the UBHCHY coalition is involved. You’ll get an update on the recent National Leadership Forum sponsored by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) in Washington DC. You’ll hear that the AlcoholEdu program has expanded and is touching more of the youth in Upper Bucks. Our Parent Chats Program is also gaining momentum. The most recent Parent Chat focused on Crime and Our Youth, with an emphasis on Cyber Crime, Underage Drinking and Crime Prevention. An upcoming Parent Chat will focus helping children make a smooth transition from 5th grade to middle school in the Palisades community.
Our next Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be on April 28, 2012 from 10am-2pm. Tell your neighbors and friends! We look forward to your participation and support of this very successful program that gets prescription drugs off the streets, out of our water supply and out of the hands of our youth.
And finally, you will learn of a recent event that Lee Rush, UBHCHY Community Mobilizer was invited to attend at Harvard University- The launching of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation! Lee was invited to the event as a result of his work in the field of restorative justice practices used in schools and communities throughout the country. Thank you again for your continued support! Keep building those assets!
