You’ve Got The Power

It is time for our Second Annual PowerTalk 21 Day and we couldn’t be more excited! After the huge success of the First Annual Event, we decided to bring it back! So for the second year in a row, we are encouraging all parents to use April 21st as a day to start the conversation with their kids about alcohol! Is there really any better time than right now to keep your kids safe!

The bad news is, underage drinking is a growing problem and kids are starting to drink at younger and younger ages. The good news is, kids are still listening to their parents, so as a parent you can keep your teen from drinking. MADD’s Power of Parents program works to help parents start that difficult conversation about alcohol with their teens, because talking about it early and often and laying out clear expectations are two important ways to keep your teen safe from the dangers of underage drinking.

We obviously aren’t the only ones who think this is important! The Governor of the State of Nebraska Dave Heineman must agree, he is going to be signing a proclamation on April 11th, declaring April 21st PowerTalk 21 Day in the State of Nebraska! This tells you just how important he must think this issue is!

So join us in the conversation! Check out http://www.madd.org/underage-drinking/the-power-of-parents/ for more information on the program. Or call the Nebraska state office at (402) 434-5330 to find out more about how to hold a workshop in your area!

Power of You(th)

As many of you know we have been working across the state to get parents to start the conversation about alcohol with their teens through our Power of Parents Program. Now, we are adding the second part of the program into the mix and we can’t wait. Are you ready for the Power Of You(th)!?

The Power of You(th) is kicking off with a bang, or a shot really, a video shot. We are asking teens to create and submit a video as part of a national contest. This video should be about their choice not to drink underage and the power that teens have to encourage themselves and others to make that choice. This is such an incredible opportunity for young artists to show what helps them to live alcohol free. On top of that five winners will be chosen to head to MADD National to be part of a teen influencer group. The group will help to create the Power of You(th) handbook, a compliment to the Power of Parents handbook, made by teens for teens. Don’t worry if your teen isn’t into the video making process though, just come talk to us. We will be submitting Nebraska teens to be part of the influencers group through an application process. If you know a teen who is alcohol free and working to keep their peers that way, we can work on submitting a nomination for them to go. The top five applications from across the country will join the group in Texas to help make the handbook!

This is such an exciting time! We know that the Power of Parents is incredibly important. But, we also know that teens are a great influence on one another! This program is a huge opportunity to get teens talking and sharing the benefits of staying alcohol free with their friends! We can’t wait for fall when we get that teen-made handbook in our hands to start sharing at schools across the state! Want to know more check out http://www.madd.org/underage-drinking/power-of-youth/ or call the MADD Nebraska state office!

Graduation is here!

Graduation: Party Safe, Party Sober

I have spent nearly four decades in rural Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa as a principal, coach or   superintendent, and during this time, I have seen over 1600 students graduate from the four communities.  Graduation is one of the most exciting happenings in any family as it is for the school and community. However, graduation parties are a double edge sword for many, both in and out of education.  The parties are a celebration of this great event, but it appears for many that alcohol is a prerequisite. I question the need for alcohol at these important events as much as, if not more than, Tom Osborne has questioned the need for alcohol to watch  a sporting event.  There are too many young people around both the football game and the graduation party. The idea that alcohol is needed at either event sends a strong message to young people, and that message is clearly stronger than any of the advertisements against  underage drinking. If parents want to give a message to their child, let it be that our families and communities can do without alcohol at a graduation party. 

Submitted by Ed Rastovski, Retired Superintendent

I want to thank our board member for submitting this article and I appreciate that it is still relevant today.  As we prepare to watch many young adults step out into the world – let us collectively ensure that they all get the chance to enjoy life, live life and laugh.  They have the world by a sting!

MADD Statement about Blast by Colt 45

 Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) joins with the numerous Attorneys General across the country who are asking Pabst Brewing Company to significantly reduce the number of servings of alcohol in a single container of Blast by Colt 45, since one 23.5-ounce can of Blast contains nearly 5 servings of alcohol. MADD is concerned that Blast may encourage dangerous binge drinking—which can lead to drunk driving—by those over 21, as well as those who are underage, posing serious health risks and greatly impairing these individuals’ decision-making abilities. MADD also urges Pabst Brewing Company to examine the marketing of this beverage in order to clarify its high alcohol content. Nearly 11,000 Americans are killed and more than 350,000 are injured each year in drunk driving crashes — a 100 percent preventable crime. In addition, teen alcohol use kills 6,000 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined.

Therefore, MADD is committed to keeping drunk drivers off the road, serving victims of drunk driving crashes and preventing underage drinking.

Restrict Repay Recover – Teens too!

I want to take a minute of your time to strongly encourage you to contact your state senator and let him or her know your support for LB 258, a bill that holds minors in possession accountable for multiple offenses. The bill provides for enhanced penalties much like our DUI statutes.

 MADD stands strong on the concept of Restrict, Repay and Recover.  As a community we want to ensure that an MIP offenders do not have the opportunity to re-offend year after year without increased penalties.

 LB 258, provides the appropriate avenue for offender accountability.  Currently, a young person can have multiple Minor In Possession(MIP) violations and the same consequence is in place – just as if it was a first offense. There must be a strong deterrent factor: tougher fines, community service, alcohol education. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/CS/LB258.pdf

   As a society, we must implement sanctions that hold the offender accountable in order to assure that the MIP offender does not go on to become a DUI offender that is in control of a 2,000 pound bullet.  A bullet that poses substantial risk to our wellbeing as we drive the roads to work, school & social functions.  Everyone in the community ought to have the right to travel safely without the worries of being impacted by a drunk driver.

 On behalf of MADD and our members, I want to encourage  you to contact your Nebraska State Senator ASAP and affirm your support for this legislation. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_list.php

Nebraska Unicameral

 Please take time to support this legislative issue that addresses the continued lack of attention to the repeat MIP issue. Additionally, thank Senator Harms for introducing it and Speaker Flood for his strong support on the floor during debate, Tuesday, February 16th.

Simera Reynolds, M. Ed.

MADD Nebraska

The Power of Parents

There is little doubt from the literature that what we do, day in and day out, as parents does make a difference to our kids, family and even their friends.  Take time to have dinner and a conversation about not using alcohol before you are 21.  I did – you can too!  I found those rides in the car to and from activities, the store, to go pick up a friend – those were the best times to talk & listen.

Each week take a moment to talk about the importance of not breaking the law, making the right choice today and hanging out with peers that make the right choice too.  As parents, aunts and uncles we spend tons of time with them when they are toddlers: to the doctors, to the dentist, to music lessons, softball games.  Don’t let that time be more important than them coming home.

Make time today!  http://www.thepowerofparents.org/

Statistics

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In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater). These deaths constitute 31.6 percent of the 37,261 total traffic fatalities in 2008. (Source: NHTSA, 2009)   Access statistics about: Drunk driving, drunk driving fatalities, alcohol-related traffic crashes Drunk driving victims Underage drinking, binge drinking, college drunking, minimum drinking age   Access to alcohol for underage drinkers, parent-child relationships and underage drinking, child endangerment  Arrests and convictions for driving under the influence, law enforcement efforts to reduce drunk driving and underage drinking Mental health, alcohol addiction and binge drinking Schools’ and teachers’ roles in preventing underage drinking Fatalities in crashes involving alcohol-impaired 21- to 24-year-old drivers during the December holidays Additional Resources View the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2007 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment. View the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2006 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment. View the findings about Underage Alcohol Use from the 2008 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Partnerships help to put “the brakes on drunk driving”

On behalf of MADD and our many members, I want to take a moment to highlight the fantastic work that Cooper Racing has done in 2009.  Gary and Donna Cooper have been solid supporters/volunteers and activists for almost 10 years. 

Last year, like each prior Gary & Donna feature the MADD racecar project and their Race Against Drugs.  During 2009 Cooper Racing had a record 3,156 youth visit their booth and sign a drug free pledge.  Their total pledge count now stands at 11,562! Thanks to the communities for inviting the MADD Racecar to their community to highlight the dangers of underage drinking and drinking and driving.  More importantly a BIG thanks goes to the Cooper’s for making a psoitve impact in 2009 and for the past ten years by reaching our youth through a creative and positive approach.

The Copper Racing Team has an alcohol free pit during the racing season.

You can find out more about the MADD racecar project go to: www.gwcooperracing.com

All I know is that this year I am getting to the racetracks and I am grateful for the hard work and support Gary & Donna show MADD and our communities across the state – here’s to 2010! 

Fred Zwonechek, NOHS and First Lady Sally Ganem

 To read more about the Cooper racing see the article on page 10.         http://www.nppd.com/EnergyInsight/july_august08.pdf

The Power of Parents -Your Influence Counts!

MADD LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO HELP PARENTS INFLUENCE TEEN ALCOHOL BEHAVIOR

The Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence by MADD ™ provides lifesaving conversation tools  about the No. 1 Youth Drug Problem in America

 DALLAS, TX & COLUMBUS, OHIO—Oct. 27—Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Nationwide Insurance launched “The Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence by MADD™” today to give parents of high school students the communication tools they need to stop teen alcohol use.  The program features resources at thepowerofparents.org.    A GfK Roper Youth Report showed 74% of kids (age 8-17) said their parents are the leading influence on their decisions about drinking.  Data also shows that a zero tolerance message from parents to teens is the most effective in deterring underage drinking and it also supports the lifesaving 21 drinking age law, which is in all 50 states.

The website is a clearinghouse of knowledge on the topic of teen alcohol use with everything from conversation tools, an “ask the expert” section and parenting tips to help parents deal with the No. 1 youth drug problem.  In addition, the website offers parents, or caretakers, tips for communicating at home and information on how to keep their community safe along with help in identifying warning signs with their kids.   Parents will find suggestions for answering tough questions such as,  “Should I drink in front of my teen?” or “How do I address my own underage alcohol experiences?”  

 “It makes a big difference when you can talk to your teen equipped with the best information and the understanding that drinking alcohol underage can lead to binge drinking, sexual assault, homicide, suicide, driving drunk and dependency,” said MADD National President, Laura Dean-Mooney.   “I have an 18-year-old daughter and understand the difficulties of talking to teens about alcohol in a culture that often condones underage drinking.“

 Bill Windsor, Nationwide Insurance, Associate Vice President of Safety, added, “The website is an excellent resource for parents like me to learn what works and doesn’t work to keep our children alcohol free.  And working for an insurance company, I see the human costs of underage drinking all the time, and the financial and emotional impact it has on the family.” 

7 Tips for Getting Through To Your Teen

1)    Communicate before a problem starts Have important discussions now, before there’s blaming, anger, or punishments. Agree on a time to start talking together about alcohol’s dangers. 2)    Discuss rules and consequences Explain how you expect your son or daughter to act, and why. Tell your teen plainly that you don’t want him or her drinking.  Agree on consequences of broken rules. 3)    Show you care Gently touch your teen on the arm or back to show affection.  Tell your teen, “You love them and want them to be healthy and safe. Explain that’s why you need to talk together about the dangers of underage drinking.”

4)    Pay attention Even when life gets hectic, take time out to listen to your teen. Monitor where your teen is and what your teen is doing, constantly. 5)    Share family activities Have dinner together at least three times a week. 6)     Give and get respect When your teen talks to you, listen and reply respectfully. Insist that your teen treat you with respect, too.  7)     Enforce consequences consistently If your teen breaks the rules, stay calm and enforce the consequences.

The Cost Is TOO High To Ignore.

Call MADD 24/7 800-444-6233

Whenever I want to talk about underage drinking prevention and I am in a large group I can see eyes starting to roll “Oh no not again”.  Yet today, as I sat typing this article, we had a call here at the State Office from a mother who has strong concerns about her daughter’s underage drinking, sincere concern for her actions and questions for me on how to “reach her”.  Kudo’s to the Mom for picking up the phone and trying to find out how to help her daughter. www.maddnebraska.org

Here at MADD we want to prevent underage drinking and support families so we don’t have to come in after the crash.  No one wants to be the tertiary agent! 

I applaud First Lady Sally Ganem for hitting the trail and going out west to speak to small rural schools about underage drinking prevention.  We are fortunate to have a wonderful spokesperson, such as the First Lady, willing to work with schools, willing to share her knowledge and passion to ensure that lives are saved.  MADD Nebraska is grateful for Ms. Ganem’s work. 

The cost of underage drinking  to us here in our state is something we should all be concerned about!http://www.reportunderagedrinking.com/

Alcohol consumed by minors is a critical problem across the country, Nebraska included. Consider the following:

• Alcohol is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes, nation-wide, involving drivers 15 to 20 years of age.
• Each year, more than 4,300 young people in this age group are killed in car crashes while under the influence of alcohol.
• Underage drinking costs Nebraskans $447-million dollars each year. That total includes costs associated with hospitalization, law enforcement, and funerals.
• 90-percent of sexual assaults on college campuses involve underage drinking by either the victim, the perpetrator, or both.
• 40-percent (70-percent) of alcohol consumed by underage drinkers is provided by adults (including parents).
• 22-percent of all alcohol consumed in Nebraska is by people under 21 years of age.
• One out of five automobile accidents in Nebraska is tied to drinking involving drivers under 21 years old.
• In Nebraska, high school girls are just as likely to drink as high school boys.
• Approximately one of five crimes, where alcohol is a factor, involve young people 18 years old or younger.
• The largest numbers of drunk drivers arrested in Nebraska are between 16 and 24 years old.
• Approximately 3 out of 4 high school students in Nebraska reported they have consumed alcohol.
• In Nebraska, 40-percent of high school seniors report binge drinking (4 or more drinks at a setting).

Offenders Simply Must Be Held Accountable

I have worked with victims across the state and I have to tell you many of them are so forgiving and want to think the very best of the circumstance they have been handed. 

 With that said, I can simply state if an offender breaks the law we, as a society, must hold him/her acountable to the highest extent that the law allows or the offender will simply snicker of into the sunset.

 Robinson, after killing two passengers in his car in 2007, was again picked up for drunk driving. http://www.ketv.com/news/20707869/detail.html I wish I could say this comes as a shock. However, it doesn’t and all it does is serves as a strong reminder: wishing people would do the right thing doesn’t make them do it.

Robinson knew what he was doing, he had intent, he knew he was underage and his BAC was .09 at 7:30 a.m. He is 20 years old and it is high time that we all make sure the courts do not allow diversion and that he is indeed held to the highest standard of the law – jail. 

MADD supports the rights of the victim’s first and foremost – we all should. Let the Sarpy County Attorney’s office know your concern for the community.http://www.sarpy.com/attorney/ 

Simera Reynolds, M.Ed.