Greater Gresham Area Prevention Partnership

Youth Coalition

Peace Out to Drugs

I have the power to do something great!

Pictured from left to right: Back: Miguel Morales, Hadiyah Desphy, Kiana Salter, Joseph Hovater, Cella Rael, Max Hanson, Eddwin Baa; Front: Gabrielle Cackler, Victoria Wyatt, Zach Smith, Kady Vallejo, Myshel Macklin

This past fall the PAL Youth Center's Youth Leadership group partnered with GGAPP to begin a campaign at PAL that addressed substance abuse in a variety of ways. Groups talked about substance abuse, their peers and what it meant to not use drugs. Part of the work the leadership team did was to create a traveling mural. The mural used one word goals of the youth with their handprints. This helped youth to highlight why kids should choose not to become involved with drugs and alcohol.

The project began with the Leadership Group meeting with both girls and boys Groups at the Youth Center, and developing "Core Cards." From these cards the youth answered questions that began with; "I am...I can...I believe...I want to be..." It helped each young person identify what makes them strong to their core. They also posted their cards on a bulletin board at the center so that they could talk to other center youth about their feelings and beliefs around using drugs. This also helped them to recruit other PAL Youth Center members to the project. Everyone got to put their handprint and their one word "vision" next to it.

All the young people at the center got a great idea of how the choices they make now can affect their future. They were also able to understand that the power to do something great resides in the strength and belief they have in themselves. Saying "Peace Out to Drugs" means for them, that they have the power to be whatever they choose and if they choose not to use drugs they will succeed for sure!

Student Designs Tee-shirt

Tee-shirt designed by Hillary Larson, a Barlow High School senior. Information on ordering tee-shirts will be made available shortly.


Front	Back
For Design Detail click here.

Peers and Schools: Risk and Protective Factors

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Calling all teens!

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign (www.AbovetheInfluence.com) is now accepting videos from YOU! Express how you and your friends stay 'above the influence' in a two-minute or less drama, documentary, montage or commercial-style advertisement and your video may be featured on their nationally-advertised website. Details and examples can be found at www.abovetheinfluence.com/speak/submit-videos.aspx

About the Team

This team is composed of school representatives, youth and youth serving organizations. The group focuses on linking to existing school activities, such as Every 15 Minutes Activities held in the spring and school curriculums such as health. This group will work toward expanding messaging and maximizing outreach through effective content. This team is designed for teens to talk to teens!