Pubdate: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 Source: Vermilion Standard (CN AB) Copyright: 2003 Vermilion Standard Contact: http://www.vermilionstandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/776 Author: Jennifer Jacula Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) DARE TO GET NEW EQUIPMENT The DARE program is going to get a new laptop and projector, thanks to generous support from the Town of Vermilion, the County of Vermilion River, and the Rotary Club. Vermilion Standard - The DARE program is going to get a new laptop and projector, thanks to generous support from the Town of Vermilion, the County of Vermilion River, and the Rotary Club. The contributors to the program see it as a worthwhile cause. "We see the program as educational and preventative with the kids learning more about drug and alcohol awareness and how to handle peer pressure, and what happens when you use those substances," says Carol Coleman, Family and Community Support Services Coordinator, who acts as a go-between for the Town of Vermilion and the various community groups. "It's really great to get the RCMP in the school system so that those kids can identify with them and see them as them as not always the bad guys, but the ones to talk to," says Coleman. "The board believes that there is some impact." County of Vermilion River Reeve Don Whittaker agrees. "We believe in the DARE program. We see the benefit of the officers going into the schools and dealing with the drug issues. Certainly, it's of value to the young people to interact with the police and to learn about substance abuse and being personally responsible for your own well being is an important part of the responsibility they have," said Whittaker. "What we're trying to do is modernize or digitize the DARE program," says Cst. Rob Rubuliak of the Vermilion RCMP. The new equipment will make the program more portable. Previously, the RCMP had to use overheads, flip charts, and big plastic cases of sheets. Now, instead of writing on blackboards, they will be able to put it all on the new laptop in PowerPoint. Rubuliak feels the modern approach will grab the attention of youth more effectively than the old, inefficient method. DARE is always looking for funding from corporate partnerships or community groups. "Community groups in town who are interested in DARE will be recognized." DARE is a Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, "but it's very little about actual drugs. There's a DARE box, and the kids can put in questions anonymously to me, say what is marijuana, what is cocaine, and I'll answer those," says Rubuliak. "The actual program itself compliments the health curriculum in schools and it deals with a lot of the supports that allow the kids to say no and choose a positive lifestyle." The program covers peer pressure, assertiveness rather than being passive or agressive, friendship choices self esteem. "From our perspective, they're getting the message from a police officer, it's sort of a different angle for the kids. We're building on what the schools are already teaching them, and we're giving them that slant about the drugs, and the drugs obviously include cigarettes and alcohol." Rubuliak feels that the cigarettes and alcohol aspects of the program are important because many young people are exposed to those drugs at home. "We ultimately give them the power to say no to those types of things." The program includes a section on media influence and advertising. Youth are bombarded with beer commercials and tobacco company advertising. "It's very little with the drugs, but they are exposed. We have a drug board and they can ask the questions. The popular misconception is that we're going in there talking about drugs." The program focuses more on building self-esteem, so that youth don't feel the need to turn to drugs and alcohol. "We kick the feet out from under the drugs," says Rubuliak. "We explain, this is what you're going to see, this is the actual drug, and these are the real effects of it. We de-mystify the drug." "Most of it is about lifestyle choices," explains Rubuliak. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom