Amherst Task Force video:
'Now It's Your Turn' - part two
The Amherst Task Force for Healthy Community * Healthy Youth has produced a video, "Now It's Your Turn," which shows some troubling behaviors by young people in the town.

The Task Force has been aware for some time that there are two deficit behaviors that many of our community's youth engage in that are putting their personal future at risk: the use of alcohol and the use of marijuana.

To help address this problem, the Task Force has produced a video to be used in a townwide media campaign to raise awareness of the problem.

The video, appropriately titled "Now It's Your Turn," asks each of us to think about what we are doing or what we can do to diminish the use of alcohol and/or marijuana in our town. In last month's column, youth in the community told us about what they are doing and this month, the adults speak out.

Anne: I will keep informing youth and adults about use/abuse and risks involved in underage drinking and marijuana use. We live in a great town with great schools, many places of worship and caring parents but we still need to understand there is a problem.

Roseanne: I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood where my neighbors look out for others and aren't afraid to let parents know what might be going on in their absence. It is this type of open dialogue that helps to make sure the kids are making healthy choices and reinforces their positive behavior. Sharing the video with family and friends will stress the importance of everyone's role in keeping the lines of communication open.

Marcia: What adults can do to help diminish the use of alcohol and/or marijuana in our town is to help children identify their goals/passions and what the child needs to do to get there. Adults need to discuss some possible responses that the child may give to his/her peers when they are offered alcohol/marijuana. As long as they show their passion, peers will respect their response and won't bother asking them again. Adults need to listen more and talk less! Empower children to see their lives as their own creation, identify their own interests and encourage them to follow their dreams. Alcohol and other drugs are the solution for children that don't know where they belong, where they fit in, where they are going, or feel like no one really knows them ... worse yet, they have no passion or discovery of who they really are.

Seema: I will continue to provide an alcohol- and drug-free environment in my house, regardless of the social implications; I will continue to be involved in the Task Force so that I have an official standing when I speak to friends, PTA members and teachers about underage drinking.

Bev: I will support activities for youth in my community; continue to educate youth in drug-free activities and choices for health and wellness; choose nonalcoholic beverages especially in the presence of youth for role modeling; and continue to keep communication channels open for youth to express feelings rather than drink to masque feelings.

Karen: Talk, talk, talk to our kids, other parents and school administrators about the dangers of alcohol and drug use/abuse and about our responsibility to monitor our children's behaviors.

Kathy: On a regular basis I will speak with our son about our family rule of no use of alcohol, marijuana, medicine not given to him by us, etc. My husband and I will keep very little alcohol in our home - it will be stored in one place accessible to only us.

Pat: I will continue to provide a positive attitude toward the youth of Amherst. I will continue to be a positive role model in living a healthy lifestyle and to continue to share my thoughts on health and lifestyle.

"Now It's Your Turn" was recently shown to a group of PTA leaders from Williamsville, and the comments from these parents were that the video was motivating, educating, surprising, and shocking. These are people who are already involved in the lives of their children and yet when asked to express one thing that they could do to help diminish the use of alcohol and marijuana among youth they responded:

"Talk to other parents and publicize SafeHomes and the new video."

" Talk to my kids about the issues discussed in the video."

"Educate my children - ask questions of them and of parents of their friends."

"Take and active role in my child's life."

"Closely supervise my children and their guests."

"Ensure my expectations are clear to my children."

The Task Force is actively seeking groups that would be interested in viewing the 13-minute video. A presentation can be set up by calling Anne Rohrer at the Amherst Youth Board at 631-7215.

This column is designed to open communications among family members, to inspire a good family discussion. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

If you have an idea for a topic, please let us hear from you. E-mail Sally@eccpasa.info or send a note to the Amherst Task Force, 4255 Harlem Road, Amherst, N.Y. 14226.