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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 2011)
vernonia prevention coalition january25 2011 11 Be a Piece of the Puzzle: Prevention is About Saying YES In 1982, Nancy Reagan announced a new drug preven- tion program, “Just Say NO.” Since then, prevention folk have found that effective and environment-changing pre- vention work is about shouting, “YES!” It is about making informed decisions based on up-to-date information that has a positive impact on your future. The vast majority of us want what is best for our community. In that, citizens have charged various governing bodies to cre- ate and approve ordinances, policies and procedures to help protect the majority. At various times, rules are writ- ten, published and distributed with due diligence. Unfortunately, much like the children’s game, Telephone, over time the interpretation is blurred; the applica- tion is sketchy and finally deemed not important. The party of accountability, to knowing the rules, is each and ev- ery one of us. On the bright side, these rules can be challenged and changed if deemed outdated or not comprehensive enough. This can be done by anyone at any time in due process. Fortunately, some rules are al- ways in the fore front of our minds. Background checks for volunteers and staff are one of those. The VSD 47J is an awesome example of that proactive practice. According to volunteer policy, [VSD 47J GCDA/GDDA], it requires back ground screening for volunteers before, during and after school. This should also include programs that are under the school programming umbrella. This policy and practice is one way to help ensure the prevention of abuse of our children. While this is a widely ac- ceptable practice in the education world, it is often overlooked in the private sec- tors that provide community program- ming. There are many City of Verno- nia (COV) Ordinances that impact pre- vention of injury, limit liability and help ensure safe space for community gather- ing. They also have a great impact on community program planning. For ex- ample, planning a large event that gath- ers more than 100 people? Refer to COV Ord. 767 on crowd control measures and additional sanitary facilities. How about evening programs? Refer to COV 313 for curfews and COV Ord. 761 outlining COV park rules and use of the parks for public events. All these ordinances can have impact on the sustainability of pro- grams and events. Oregon Administrative Rules, (OAR) are realized by the citizens of Or- egon to be important to the health and welfare of us all. OAR 581-021-0110, Tobacco Free Schools, was established in 2004 to not allow the use of tobacco in any form at anytime on school proper- ty. Public Law 107-110, Safe and Drug Free School Act, is to support schools and communities to create safe, disci- plined, and drug-free environments that support student academic achievement. This federal law speaks to not allow- ing ATOD [Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug] on school campuses at anytime regardless of school hours, day or ses- sions. Whether you agree or not, poli- cies, OAR’s and ordinances are ways for governing bodies to show their due dili- gence for the greater good. These help ensure school, community partners and resources to foster a safe and drug-free learning and living environment. Men- tors who are deemed safe by a back- ground check can help build confidence in our children. City streets that are safe for our children to walk on help connect them to their community. Parks that are clean and safe allow our children to par- take in positive physical activity without the threat of harm. ATOD Free events al- low families to gather together and bond with a shared experience. All these ordi- nances, policies and administrative laws have one thing in common-- to protect the most vulnerable citizens of our com- munity-- our children-- and our future. So, prevention IS about saying YES. Yes, our streets are safe. Yes, our schools are safe. Yes, you can volun- teer in a drug-free workplace. Yes, our children have lots of opportunities to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) suicidepreventionlifeline.org Are you feeling desperate, alone or hopeless? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you. Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Press 1 connect with valuable experiences both in and out of school. Why is this im- portant? When a child lives in an envi- ronment that affords him or her oppor- tunities to positively engage, they will more likely be productive citizens of society. Yes, Prevention is about saying YES. The Vernonia Prevention Coali- tion is about saying YES, too. Yes, you can be a member. Yes, we will support you in your efforts to make a difference. Yes, we want public input. In that effort to further ask for input, the VPC will have public meetings on 5 th Tuesdays of the year. Look on this page for this year’s schedule. For further questions or comments, contact DeAnna Pearl @ (503) 369-7370 or DeAnna@vernonia- or.gov. 5th Tuesday Community Coalition Meeting at the VCLC 6:30-8:00 PM March 29th May 31st August 30th November 29th For more information contact: DeAnna Pearl, VPC Director 503-369-7370 DeAnna@vernonia-or.gov Look familiar? We can help... Getting picked on and pushed around is scary and embarrassing, but it’s not hopeless. There are things you can do about it, and people who can help. To find out more, get your parents’ permission and log on to w w w.StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov A campaign of the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
