Pubdate: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 Source: Mayerthorpe Freelancer (CN AB) Copyright: 1999 The Mayerthorpe Freelancer Contact: P.O. Box 599, Mayerthorpe, Alberta T0E 1N0 Canada Fax: (403) 786-2663 Website: http://www.bowesnet.com/mayerthorpe/ PROGRAM ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO RESIST PRESSURES OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL An international education program that encourages students to resist the pressure to experiment with alcohol and other illicit drugs is once again being held in Mayerthorpe. "The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is designed to help students recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, other drugs, or to engage in violence," said Cst. Wendy Hanna with the Mayerthorpe RCMP. "The program focuses on building self-esteem and understanding both the positive and negative consequences of ones actions." Through the program Grade 6 students are encouraged to participate in positive alternative activities that will keep them away from drugs and violence. According to Cst Hanna, one of the highlights of the program is a session where the D.A.R.E. students question a panel of high school role models about their experiences with drugs and violence. "This session enforces the idea that it is more than acceptable to say 'No' to offers of drugs or situations that make one feel uncomfortable," said Cst. Hana. The 17 week program is taught by a certified uniformed police officer. The D.A.R.E. program was test piloted and implemented in Los Angeles in 1983. The D.A.R.E. program is now offered in 43 countries around the world. This is the second year the program, which has been in Canada since 1992., has been offered in Mayerthorpe. Last year 53 Mayerthorpe students successfully completed the program under the instruction of Cst. Hanna. This year's program involves 77 Grade 6 students from Mayerthorpe and Sangudo. A D.A.R.E. Parent program is also scheduled to be offered in the new year. This program will focus on effective communication, drug abuse prevention, youth pressures, and conflict resolution for parents. "The goal is to assist in developing better skills to interact with children, learn about peer pressures, identifying signs, and reducing the risks of potential substance abuse and violent behavior," said Cst. Hanna. The program will consist of six two-hour sessions held evenings or weekends. According to Cst. Hanna priority will be given to parents of current D.A.R.E. students, but all interested parents are welcome to attend. Cst. Hanna will be attending a training season for the D.A.R.E. Parent program in the new year and hopes to begin instruction in the Mayerthorpe area in February or March of 2000. While Cst. Hanna has received 80 per cent of the funding necessary for her to attend the program training in Los Angeles, she is still looking for donations. Any interested supporters should contact Cst. Hanna at the Mayerthorpe RCMP, 786-2291. Donations are tax deductible. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake