See It: The Community being helped

The youth of DJ Center for Youth, Inc. would like to host a Car Show Extravaganza to better educate their peers on driving safely and inform them about new legislation. Effective July 1, 2007 the Indiana law will change and it will require ALL passengers in ALL vehicles in ALL positions to wear safety belts. It has been brought to the attention of the youth that their peers do not like to wear seatbelts and even some of the kids at the Center admitted not liking to wear seatbelts.Therefore, the question was asked, how do we change the perception/image of seatbelts and how do we deliver the message in an impactful and fun manner. Nonetheless, the idea of a Car Show which would include driving tip handouts for all attendees to take home, giveaways, food, and entertainment was the answer. The mentality of the youth was, you want teens to come to an event to discuss safe driving, get them there with things of interest to them. "Videos (i.e. educational, instructional) are not fun, it does not provide an opportunity to go out with friends enjoy the day and learn something. We (teens) are always suggested to go out and get involved, we would if the event planners would make the event appealing" (Quote by student). The youth's plan of action is as follows:

• Obtain driving materials that could be handed out from insurance companies, driving schools, and Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles;
• Contact the local Students Against Distructive Decision Making (SADD) Chapter;
• Giveaways - local stores;
• Food (grill out, burgers and hotdogs);
• Entertainment - invite the local radio station and have the radio personality host the event; and
• Have categories for the car show so the attendees could vote for their favorite car.

The event will be held in the afternoon in the parking lot of a local park or school. It would be a one time event. If it rains out the extravaganza will be held the following weekend. Cars interested in participating in the car show would pay an entry fee.The entry fee would cover the costs of the meat for the grill, prizes for the winner, and other costs associated with hosting the event.  If additional money is raised from the Car Show Extravagaza it would be used for the following year so it could be bigger and better.