Drug Free Because THEY CARE

Keeping Teens Drug & Alcohol Free in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood & Riverwoods

October/November 2024

For Spanish, click here. / Para español, haga clic aquí.

In this Issue: Drug-Free Because YOU CARE | 60 Second Conversation Starter | Special Starbucks Giveaway For DHS & HPHS Parents | Volunteer Spotlights

For High School Families

"Drug-Free Because YOU CARE"

DHS & HPHS Awareness Campaign

The latest poster in the "Drug-Free Because YOU CARE" campaign celebrates the 83% of DHS & HPHS students who say they stand up for their beliefs. Because 91% of our students report they do not use marijuana, they are able to stay focused on what matters most to them. By making the connection between sense of integrity and drug-free choices, the campaign hopes to increase students' personal motivation to stay drug-free.

Each poster theme comes from the 40 Developmental Assets Framework, a list of assets proven by research to help young people be more resilient to challenges and avoid risky behavior. DHS & HPHS students in CTAD's youth program Delta helped design this year's awareness campaign. They selected the slogan, the topics and the images, and surveyed their peers to find out what they care most about.

For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families

Teaching Your Child to Stand Up for Themselves

60 Second Conversation Starter

We can teach our kids from an early age how to stand up for what they believe in by encouraging them to speak up in respectful ways. Here are 5 ways to show this behavior in action:

Help your child put their thoughts into words -- Have conversations about subjects they care about. It is great practice for discussions with friends or others who may disagree with their views.
Educate yourself and your child -- Learn different viewpoints and the importance of evidence-based facts so your child can be confident in defending what they believe.
Show your child your activism -- This could take the form of marching peacefully or filling out a voting ballot. When it's not obvious to them, tell them what you're doing or what you've done in the past.
Prepare your child for disagreements -- Tell them it's OK, and even a good thing, to meet someone who disagrees with their views or is indifferent. It's a great way to learn about others' positions, faith, culture, etc.
Remind them to lead conversations with respect and kindness -- Kids see first hand how unproductive disrespectful dialogue can be, so model speaking to your child and others with respect no matter how frustrating it may be at times!

Here are 5 conversation goals that can help in having those 60 second conversations with your child.

Conversation starters in CTAD's Family Resource Guide (English) and en español can help you navigate many topics.

For High School Families

Still Time to Espresso Yourself and Earn a Starbucks Gift Card

DHS & HPHS PARENTS remember to espresso your voice and help CTAD tailor resources that will have the most impact in our community.

Take this 8 minute survey to be entered into a drawing for one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. CTAD appreciates the feedback on how we can further support students and parents. And, you can earn a Starbucks treat!

It's not one 60-minute conversation.

It's 60 one-minute conversations.

2024-2025 Programming for All Parents/Guardians

Check out Glenbard Parent Series for weekly free webinars on relevant topics presented by high-profile authors, educators and clinicians.

For All Community Members

Payton Murillo-Huhn & Eric Steckling

Volunteer Spotlights

Payton Murillo-Huhn from Chicago HIDTA has done so much for CTAD. His technical assistance & data analysis of our Parent and Delta surveys help keep us on the right track and prove our strategies are working! He created presentation slides with the survey results and even joined our Delta youth group on a Sunday to review them and answer all of their questions!

Payton’s slides were shared at the national level when staff recently had a poster presentation in Washington DC.

Eric Steckling has been involved with CTAD since he became the Director of Communications at Deerfield Public Schools District 109. He currently chairs the communication committee and is a wealth of creative ideas for prevention campaigns and newsletter content.

Eric's passion for his work in supporting CTAD shows in the way he connects with the community and invites others to join our efforts to ensure a brighter future for our youth.

We celebrate all of our extraordinary volunteers!

Read all about them in our volunteer spotlights.

Donate

Be a part of our amazing CTAD team. Will you consider contributing your time, creativity, unique skills, or a donation? Learn how to make a difference by joining one of our committees!

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Support is Always Available: Students who are struggling or worried about a friend are encouraged to talk to a counselor, parent, or other trusted adult. When they aren't available, or it just doesn't feel right for the situation:

Check this list of free, 24/7 confidential support lines
Support options via text, phone, online chat or email
Bookmark the page so it's there when you need it

Community - The Anti-Drug (CTAD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN 451631475). Our coalition of volunteers and community organizations strive to reduce alcohol, marijuana and other drug use among youth in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods, Illinois. Funding is generously provided by the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park, other foundations/organizations, individual donors and a Drug Free Communities grant from the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views, opinions and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect our funders' views, opinions or policies.

Parents/guardians of youth in High School District 113: You opted in to receive these monthly newsletters during school registration and may unsubscribe any time.