Drug Abuse

Submitted by JHogan350 on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 19:11

the problem:

Identify how severe of a drug/alcohol problem (If at all) Mtn Home High School students are facing.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

After listening to past users, they have shown me what effects drugs use has on a person. I personally don't want to see my friends and classmates destroy their futures.

the plan of action:

Using a peer created survey, I will use the information to present in a forum style meeting with parents, students, staff and community leaders.

how you can get involved:

Contact me!

project updates:

Submitted by kahoople on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 17:11

the problem:

The mental health of our children and youth is an incredibly important issue in today’s society. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents and the third leading cause of death for those slightly younger than adolescents. The CDC reports that 14% of youth between 9th and 12th grade have thought about suicide, and 11% have actually made a specific plan for committing the act.* Mental health concerns are particularly high for more marginalized populations, as many of these individuals are in high risk environments. For example, in a nationally representative survey of a youth in an inner city environment, 8% reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault, 17% reported experiencing physical assault, and 39% reported witnessing violence.** Exposure to trauma of this kind is clearly linked to a higher preponderance of behavioral and mental health difficulties in youth. However, these same mental health issues continue to be heavily stigmatized by our culture. This prevents many youth from coming forward with their difficulties, and not enough youth are aware of the fact that there are people available to help them. Furthermore, few youth realize how common it actually is to struggle with these kinds of issues. These are problems I want to address – I want to make children and youth in my community, particularly those in inner city New York, realize that they are not alone in struggling with these issues, and that there is help out there.
*www.astorservices.org/finding-out-teen-suicide-prevention.php
**www.nctsn.org

vital stats:

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people involved:

why it's important:

This cause is incredibly important to me, for a variety of reasons. I’ve worked intimately with children and youth in a variety of settings, from being a camp counselor to a trusted nanny, and I know how important and wonderful this population is. I also am still a youth myself – at 22 I don’t think I quite count as a full-fledged grown up yet! The idea of those younger than me and like me struggling with mental health issues in silence is terrible, and is something I want to battle against. This is a fight I am already fighting in many ways, working as a research aide at Astor Services for Children and Families, based in Rhinebeck, NY, trying to find out more about the problems that youth struggle with and the best ways to solve them. Astor is a not-for-profit behavioral health agency that provides services to children of all ages in a variety of settings, ranging from community health programs to residential treatment. We serve children throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region and the Bronx. Through Astor, I’d like to start spreading mental health awareness by speaking at schools and other youth-serving organizations. I’d like to spread mental health awareness by disseminating both current mental health facts and statistics and the stories of the clients we currently serve at Astor, written by the clients themselves. If possible, I’d like to even bring current Astor clients to speak to other children and youth about their experiences and struggles with mental health. It has been shown that both hearing about other’s struggles, as well as sharing one’s own struggles, can help children and youth persevere and endure difficult life circumstances.* Spreading mental health awareness will also help to dispel stigma. I’d also like to include in these talks information on how to go about receiving mental health services, empowering those that need help to get the process of getting help going. I believe that the sharing of children and youth’s stories, as well as the spreading of other information related to mental health awareness, will have a profound impact on both the youth we already serve at Astor and those in the community that still need our help.
* On Playing a Poor Hand Well, by Mark Katz

the plan of action:

In order to spread mental health awareness, I’d like to start visiting schools and other organizations that serve children and youth, starting with the Bronx and Mid-Hudson Valley, and beyond if possible. I’d like to bring with me dissemination materials, like brochures filled with facts on mental health and the stories of current clients. Hopefully, I will also be able to bring along with me some support staff to participate in these talks as well. I’d also like to, if possible, bring clients with me on these talks to share their stories – this would require support staff to ensure the well-being of youth that accompany me on these trips. I’d also like to bring with me information on how to start receiving mental health services, and for each site I go to, be prepared with information specific to mental health services in that site’s area. Ideally, I’d like to do these talks at least twice a month for a year or longer, coming into contact with as many children and youth as possible. By accomplishing these goals, I feel that my project will have a deep impact on everyone I reach, and that this impact will disperse outwards as those I am able to talk to share what they have learned with others.

how you can get involved:

Anyone can help with this project. Simply talking about mental health issues in a knowledgeable and caring way helps dispel stigma, and helps increase the chance that children and youth that need help will seek it. Anyone that is present at these information sessions I hope to hold will then also be able to spread this information. They say knowledge is power, and in the case of mental health awareness, that is certainly true. I want to spread that power!

project updates:

Submitted by PDXorganicpro on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 00:06

the problem:

Portland Organic Productions is working hard to solve problems facing community livability and sustainability. Portland Organic Productions is striving to maintain and promote a statewide sustainable communities growth through revitalization and preservation of our natural and rural areas. In keeping within the mission of the organization to promote healthy business communities, create a vibrant and diverse business districts, create sustainable and livable communities, increase social awareness of the environment and livability, encourage residents to shop local, and increase the spirit of community. Promoting economic and social common good in Portland, to create a once monthly revitalization and beautification event though out the Portland business districts, river fronts and neglected properties to cleanup litter, graffiti, and invasive plants, to install murals, to install rainwater gardens in public spaces, and water ways. This project is designed to make a direct impact on all Portland communities by helping to maintain a clean and safe space for commerce and community life.

vital stats:

people impacted:

34,198

people involved:

600

why it's important:

"I used to spend hours walking along the river bank in Cathedral Park picking up trash with a baby (Thor Foss). As a nanny and a mother I found it very rewarding, however, daunting. I had been longing to make this World a better place and create a positive global shift. My hope is that my son, whom I gave up adoption because of my young age, would be impacted by all my love and dedication to the good of humanity. I knew I could not do this alone...."

the plan of action:

The first step of action I took was going to a community meeting and complaining about the issue. I went to a Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association meeting and voiced my opinion. I was very passionate and disturbed by the abundance of litter along the river bank. when I asked the group who was in charge of the litter removal along the Willamette River the group responded in unison "You are." After just a moment of thinking about it I responded "Yes I am!"

The second step I took was working with local neighborhood activist seeking advice for sponsorship, policies and regulations (for Parks & Recreation and Sound permitting)to get this work done. I gained sponsorship though SOLVE and Metro during this first clean up. It took two months for me to plan the first clean up.

For the first year I spend around 1,000 of my own money to get things like: dumpster retails, permitting, electricity use and food and water bottles.

During the 2nd year I have spend only a few 100 dollars thanks to a sponsorship though Gunderson (a local industrial Superfund site contributor) and they started paying for the dumpster rental and food on occasion. Some local vendors started donating food upon my request.

PDXOP went about this mission by creating the Cathedral Park Clean UP (CPCU) events. These events have occurred consecutively every other month since inception. In the last two years PDXOP's events have removed over ten thousand pounds of trash, including tires, syringes, and glass off theriverside park. PDXOP has made a direct impact upon the beauty, health, safety, vitality,and preservation of St. Johns.

Now in the third year we are looking to expand the efforts of PDXOP outside of Cathedral Park and into the St. Johns business and residential district.

PDXOP has current plans to do a monthly revitalization and beautification event in the St. John's business district to cleanup litter, graffiti, and invasive plants, to install murals, to install rainwater gardensin public spaces, as well as Cathedral Park Clean Up events along the Willamette River.

how you can get involved:

We need help covering cost of supplies like: shovels, reusable waterproof gardening gloves, wheel barrels, web design and maintenance, exterior paints, paint brushes, artists time for painting murals, office space, native non-invasive rain water plants, and promotional materials.

project updates:

Submitted by Caitan_Hill on Sun, 02/05/2012 - 23:14

the problem:

I am trying to prove to teens in my generation that you can have fun without having to go out to party, get high, or get drunk.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This is important to me because I have seen what it does to people. I have seen addicts or people with alcohoism. It isn't a pleasant sight. I want to educate my generation. I don't want to see my generation go down in ruins.

the plan of action:

I plan to start an IDFY chapter at my school. Then plaster positive drug free messages all around my high school. After that I will have everyone in my school take survey. Then I will have a ghost out.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by joining my club. They can help by becomming drug free and passionate about this club.

project updates:

Submitted by mandyxmae on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 00:09

the problem:

The problem I am trying to solve is Drug and Alcohol Addiction.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This cause is extremely important to me because not only did i grow up with a father in and out of jails, rehabs, and homeless shelters but i also struggled with this myself. I've watched people I grew up with destroy themselves and my family and loved ones slowly watched me destroy myself. I am 21 years old and have been homeless, arrested, and shot at as a direct result of my addiction. I fought my way through my past, faced myself head-on and allowed my sponsor and others to love and accept me until i was strong enough to love and accept myself. Change is a terrifying thing but i want to show people that sometimes, not changing, can be even scarier. I am currently going to school to complete a Mental Health/Addiction program to help people in need who may not realize that there is a better way of life. Drugs are an epidemic in our school system right now and people need to be aware. I truly feel like God allowed the things in my life that he did to help someone else.

the plan of action:

The steps I am currently taking are getting a degree for Psychology, reaching out in Alcoholics Anonymous, and reaching out to old "friends". I am in the process of creating a facebook page as well as an eblog which will go into detail about my story and how i changed my life. These pages will include inspirational photo's, quotes, and a collection of poems i wrote along my way. The most important step I am taking though is leading by example. The impact I have made has been phenomenal to me. I have had over a dozen people come to me asking for help and to show them how i got sober and changed my life. They watched me go from a young broken wreck to a strong, loving young woman with her life together and a part of them believed that they could have that too.

how you can get involved:

The number one thing that people can do to help is to not judge. People with addiction problems generally have enough issues with themselves. They can bring themselves down without any outside help. What they need is someone to help build them back up. A good majority of the homeless are caught in addiction, reach out by going to a homeless shelter, sitting down with someone, and simply talking. Reach out through organizations such as A.A. and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

project updates:

Submitted by roger2286 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 12:57

the problem:

The Problem im planning to solve is hunger, homelessness, batterd woman, sick, poor, religious pratcie i school, troubled youth etc..

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

It is important to me cause i hate to see my society go down hill and suffer from poverty. I came from a rough childhood and i know what it feels like not to have nothing i just want to give back and bea ble to help and give back to all.

the plan of action:

My plan to open up more shelter facilities food programs, build more schools and universities, afterschool programs keep kids engaged.

how you can get involved:

I need funding, dedicated people who will help and fight for the cause. Support and a better network to reachout to american society

project updates:

Submitted by bri7232 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 01:05

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Right now, more than 300,000 Kenyan youth live and work on the streets. Street youth face a life of disease, poverty, exploitation, and violence. Some street youth survive by collecting scrap metal for recycling as well as washing cars, while the more vulnerable turn to theft and prostitution. In Kenya, where education is neither free nor mandatory, many street youth have not completed Primary School let alone Secondary School. Millions of dollars are invested into humanitarian programs that offer food, clothing, and shelter, but they often fail to keep youth off the streets forever. In a country with an unemployment rate of 64% among youth between the ages of 18 and 35, street youth simply cannot compete in the job market.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

people involved:

why it's important:

In 2008, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an HIV clinic in Mathare, the second largest slum in Kenya. The experience changed my life. Upon my return to the U.S. I changed my major from Biology to International Studies with the determination to go back to Kenya after I graduated.

I graduated in December 2010 and moved to Kenya in March 2011 determined to make a change in the world. Just a few short days after landing in Nairobi I met a former street boy, Wiclif Otieno. Wiclif's story, success, and passion for changing the lives of other street youth through KITO International was very inspiring. We became instant friends.

Wiclif taught me a lot about street life, poverty, and the importance of quality aid. I quickly fell in love with the KITO community and it didn't take long before Wiclif and I joined forces to continue KITO's growth.

the plan of action:

KITO believes that "moving off the streets" means "getting out of poverty." If street youth are given an economic opportunity that enables them to work their way out of poverty and become self-sufficient, they will stay off the streets forever.

Potential KITO youth are referred by partner organizations, recruited by team members, or apply on their own. KITO selects street youth through a participatory interview process. Successful applicants enter a vigorous 2 month training program which covers entrepreneurship, life skills, employability skills, and financial literacy. Upon graduation of KITO's Training Program, KITO youth are offered temporary employment with KITO's social enterprise, EcoSafi, where they learn to make bags from recycled material as well as practice the skills they have learned in a hands-on setting. KITO staff work tirelessly to customize each youth's exit strategy. KITO youth have the option to start their own business, go back to school, or find full-time employment.

how you can get involved:

Spreading the word about KITO International is very important to us. You can help us in these efforts by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kitointernational) or following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kitointl). KITO International is always looking for volunteers, interns, and donations to help us achieve our mission. To learn more about us please visit www.kitointernational.org.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by kranaldo on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 20:43

the problem:

Drug and alcohol abuse in not only teens, but in athletes has become a major problem. I am a three sport varsity athlete and as a senior I have herd and seen it all. While I'm not participating in these actions I am still aware what my teammates are doing. The biggest question is how to make it stop. Athletes don't seem to care as long as they are fitting in. There are no drug assemblies or speeches given by anyone to stop them. Schools think just because they don't hear about in their school, it doesn't happen. Looking at the freshman this year I know it is just getting worse. Everyone trying to "fit in" makes people become someone they're not.

vital stats:

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people involved:

why it's important:

Nothing is more important to me than being above the influence. When I was six years old, my life was changed. I found out that my dad was a drug addict. It started when I went into my shed to get a soccer ball and found a bag of cocaine. Keeping in mind I was only six, I brought it to my mom and asked her what it was. She knew about my dad but couldn't tell me, I was too young. Being a very curious child, it never left my mind. Some nights my dad never came home and he wouldn't answer his cell phone. At least four times a week my mom would tell me my dad was working late. Eventually when I got into middle school my mom told me because I wouldn't stop asking. Slowly everything came together. Now that I'm older I have accepted the fact that he will never change, but not the fact that my friend died while she was on drugs just last year. An athlete, dead because of drug abuse. Teens doing drugs now won't stop and I would never wish the relationship I have with my dad upon anyone. Usually people with a dad like mine would pick up the same addiction. If it wasn't for my mom using my dads drug addictions as life lessons, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

the plan of action:

In my high school we have a club called Athletes Helping Athletes. This club has been around for ten years. To be a member of the club you must have over an eighty five average in all your classes, participate in two sports and the most important, not do drugs and alcohol. If you are even caught doing drugs or alcohol, you get kicked out of the club. We go to fifth grade classrooms three times a year and talk to them about drugs and alcohol. We all know kids don't always listen. I stand in front of those classes trying to teach them what happens and still, you have the kids that you just can't get through to. I have not done anything yet besides this club but I have many ideas how to make something so difficult work. If more parents did what my mom did for me there would be less teens abusing drugs. I talk to the kids through Athletes Helping Athletes but who I really need to talk to is their parents. I would love to tell my story to millions of people. Your parents impact you the most and I don't think many people realize that. Although it is some what unrealistic I want to see if I could start drug testing in high schools because I know colleges do it. It is such a bad problem in high schools and it is going to take more than just me to get this done.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by Conscienceandco... on Mon, 01/30/2012 - 00:59

the problem:

So often, teens do drugs with no thought to the consequences of their actions. People tend to look at teens with substance abuse issues as losers, rather than real human beings who need help with a serious problem. What I intend to do is build a support system for teens in need of help for substance abuse problems by getting the word out that someone cares. I intend to get more people on board with me and to help those who need the help. I would like to see more teens going to rehabilitation centers and getting proper support from friends and families. I would also like to see bonds being made, to make it easier for kids to leave a bad situation, knowing they have others like them to lean on. This program wouldn't just be for kids who are currently on drugs, but ones that were before and quit on their own, but are having a hard time staying clean. My intention is to see a huge drop in the number of teens on drugs, and a higher rate of teens being successful in school and in their personal lives. I would hold support groups with others, and organize activities to show that drugs aren't a way to have fun.

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people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This topic is extremely important to me, because from the young age of 13 to the still young age of 17, I had problems with substance abuse. I tried a lot of different drugs, and I was becoming a person I didn't like. Teens die everyday of this tragic epidemic.I am 18 now, and proud to say I've been clean for almost an entire year. I could only do this with the support of my friends and family, but I realized that not many people have the same support that I do. Not everyone is a fortunate as I am, and I want to change that. I want to see kids smiling, and not because they're high, because they're truly happy. I care about other people so much, and I would love to see not only a difference in the teens themselves, but in the very perception they receive from other people.

the plan of action:

I plan on first finding out how to get the word out about this new project.
After successfully getting the word out, I want to get adults into the mix. I want to see teachers and administrators from my school and other local high schools getting on board to help me find students who need the help.
I would find a time and place for support groups, and hold them accordingly.
I would contact local groups, such as anonymous groups and accompany teens there. I would organize events to go shopping, see movies, throw parties, and even have study/tutoring groups to show the teens how to have fun drug-free, and build a network of support, including just giving kids information on who to contact in case of emergencies. I would also put emphasis on the dangers of the behavior they are exhibiting. I want to make a lasting impact on my community.

how you can get involved:

I would love to see my school and neighboring schools, even colleges getting on board with this project. Others can help by donating money or even their time to help out with events for transportation, a place to hold meetings, and expertise on the issues at hand.

project updates:

Submitted by vtyouthadventures on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 21:51

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Vermont Youth Adventures Inc. is a new non-profit organization in the southern Vermont area that was formed to create youth outreach opportunities through adventure and community programing. Offering after school care, summer camps, and adventure education it is our hope that we can help youth to become stronger both physically and mentally. Furthermore, we hope to increase the social responsibility among the communities youth.

Our mission is to provide outdoor leadership and adventure experiences to youth 5-15 years of age in the southern Vermont and New Hampshire area. Utilizing adventure and challenge as underlying themes, youth will learn valuable life skills grounded in a tradition of promoting healthy lifestyles, academic success and providing meaningful, tailored, and enticing adventure experiences.

Much like a ship at sea, children too need the chance to fill their sails and take to the open ocean. Sitting at home is by far the safest option for a child. Sheltered from the world and it's dangers. But to truly grow and develop the skills needed to succeed in this world, a child must get out, take risks, and push their own personal limits. Mrs. Frizzle from the classic children's show "The Magic School Bus" put it best with her famous quote "get messy, make mistakes" for that is how a child truly learns. Vermont Youth Adventures gives children this opportunity to get out and explore the world. Through adventure programs like kayaking, hiking, survival, and rafting, a child will learn how to take healthy risks, self reliance, and social skills to last a lifetime. It is experiences like those offered through VYA that truly give a child a leg up in this competitive world.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

As and adventure enthusiast, I recognize that by introducing a child to the world of adventure we are giving them so much more that a "fun" time, we are giving them the tools they will need to succeed throughout their life. We give them engaging activities during times they may have nothing else to do. We fill a void that could so easily have been filled with drugs or other self destructive behaviors. Indeed, bringing adventure into the life of a child provides so much more than just an experience…it provides hope.

the plan of action:

Starting with the formation of a Non-Profit back in August, I have started providing after school adventure care for elementary students in southern Vermont. I provide licensed child care so parents can be assured there children are in a safe and active environment. In addition to opening the after school care program I help provide adventure programs to several town recreation departments and other established after school programs.

Going forward I would like to start a teen center that provides a safe environment for teens after school. To help keep them productive and out of trouble. I also hope to provide several adventure camps through the summer.

how you can get involved:

We are always looking for volunteers to help run after school programs with our kids. Anyone from teens to adults with an interest in helping youth succeed are encouraged to help by volunteering.