CITIZENS RALLYING FOR CHANGE ON ALCOHOL

The time has now come for us to                                                get serious about addressing the factors which contribute to stem the harmful consequences of underage drinking.

The consumption of large quantities of alcohol within today’s youth culture has become a ritual in and of itself. 

Drinking to excess has become an entrenched and normal behaviour.  It has become a way for many young people to establish their identities and thus ensure themselves a “place” within their preferred peer group. 

Just as important as securing a sense of “belonging” within a group for young people is their need to “express themselves” in a way that is noticed and remembered.  What better way than by being able to out-drink everyone and engage in behaviours which ensure you are noticed by the greatest number of people? 

It is a paradox on the story of Hester Prinne in the “Scarlet Letter” whose “A” sewn to her dress was designed to shame and scorn her in public.  For young people, the “A” which stands for alcohol is a symbol of pride, not derision!

What We Expect From Parents 

• To understand that underage drinking is a tradition, one which is illegal and must be stopped.
• To understand that the only  “rite of passage” it is, is a "rite of passage" to a devastating quality of life, brain damage and death.
• To understand that drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is prohibited by law, with extremely limited exceptions.
• To see to it your kids don’t drink—you have the power.
• To stop unsupervised parties.  
• To ensure, in the event of a supervised party,  it is responsibly supervised with no alcohol present
• To see to it that your kids realize that drinking is not a choice for them and that they understand why it is prohibited.
• To always know where your kids are.
• To prevent your kids from attending a function, activity or facility where alcohol may be available to them.
• To consider the powerful influence of your own behavior on your kid.

What We Expect From Law Enforcement

• We expect the police to do their jobs.-write citations for underage drinking

 What We Expect From Judges

• Prosecute underage drinkers
• Prosecute those that serve underage patrons
• Prosecute those that host underage drinking parties

What We Expect From Our Politicians

• To get serious about alcohol policies that save kids' lives
• To make the difficult decisions that matter-regardless of whether it might be popular or not, whether it might affect re-election possibilities-own up! Do your job. Protect our kids and our communities!