The Beachcomber and the PTSA worked together last month to bring attention to the issue of drug and alcohol use by Island teens, an effort that culminated last week in a PTSA-sponsored forum on the issue. About 150 people attended the gathering. (See story on page A1.)
At the forum, organizers handed out what they called a parent’s pledge. Their goal: To get parents to work together to change the widely held perception that Vashon adults tolerate alcohol and drug use by young people.
If enough parents sign the pledge and support their children in remaining alcohol and drug free, organizers hope, the Island will not only alter a perception of tolerance but also witness a decline in the number of young people who use.
Parents who weren’t at the forum can also participate in this effort. Just clip the pledge below, sign it and mail it to Laura Hansen at 10500 S.W. 216th St., Vashon, 98070. And then, of course, adhere to it.
It’s a small, but important step. And if enough people take it, we might indeed change perceptions on the Island. We might also help to save a few young lives.
— Leslie Brown, Editor
A community that works together can have a tremendous influence on the development of healthy beliefs and safe behaviors in our developing teens. You are invited to sign this pledge to indicate your commitment to work proactively to keep our kids safe.
A Parent’s Pledge
We are committed to providing a social environment for our students free of alcohol and other drugs. We agree to join other Vashon parents and pledge to support our students and one another in the following ways:
Teach our children to view alcohol and drug use as a serious concern and realize that we can influence their decisions about whether or not to use substances.
Hold only alcohol- and drug-free activities or parties for our children and their friends and not permit our home to be used for unsupervised parties.
Provide a secure storage place for all forms of alcohol and other potentially hazardous items such as prescription drugs.
Signed:
