How to Get Involved in Your Community
Five Steps You Can Take
1. It Starts at Home
Getting involved in the
community begins with getting involved with your kids at home. Busy as we all are, it
doesn't take much effort to stay informed. Always ask the questions - Where are you going? Who are you going with?
What time will you be home? How can I get in touch with you if I need to? Yes, you may get, "Why the third degree?",
but rather than getting defensive use this as an opportunity to talk.
It is surprising to me how many parents will call and ask that their child be tested, but then are quick
to request that I not tell the child that he or she requested it. Perhaps these parents feel that once armed with
positive test results they will be in a stronger position to confront their child about their suspicions. In truth,
this is not usually the case. The confrontation quickly goes from bad to worse as accusations are thrownn,tempers
flare and emotions get out of control. It typically ends with bad feelings on both sides.
I strongly believe that postponing a talk with your child when you suspect them of using is never a good strategy.
So, what if you do not feel that you are prepared to have the "drug and alcohol" talk with your child? That's where
step 2 comes in. Tune in next week for Part 2 - Educating Yourself.
Following are some additional links to info related to the topic
4 Lessons I Learned About Confronting My Substance Abusing Teen
The Parenting Tips Newsletter
Talking with your Teen: Tips for Parents
Talking to Teens
About Alcohol
2. Educating Yourself
STAND is a coalition of community organziations, businesses, and individuals focused on the health and well-being
of the youth in Scott County, Tennessee. School drug testing is just one of the functions we serve under the larger
umbrella of alcohol and drug prevention.
Part of what we do includes sponsoring prescription drug take-back events, advocate for policy changes related to
drug and alcohol ordinances, work with local law-enforcement agencies, and meet with community leaders and citizens
to shape drug and alcohol policies.
The Schools Need to Hear Your Voice
STAND is a coalition of community organziations, businesses, and individuals focused on the health and well-being
of the youth in Scott County, Tennessee. School drug testing is just one of the functions we serve under the larger
umbrella of alcohol and drug prevention.
Part of what we do includes sponsoring prescription drug take-back events, advocate for policy changes related to
drug and alcohol ordinances, work with local law-enforcement agencies, and meet with community leaders and citizens
to shape drug and alcohol policies.
Volunteer
STAND is a coalition of community organziations, businesses, and individuals focused on the health and well-being
of the youth in Scott County, Tennessee. School drug testing is just one of the functions we serve under the larger
umbrella of alcohol and drug prevention.
Part of what we do includes sponsoring prescription drug take-back events, advocate for policy changes related to
drug and alcohol ordinances, work with local law-enforcement agencies, and meet with community leaders and citizens
to shape drug and alcohol policies.
Get Connected
STAND is a coalition of community organziations, businesses, and individuals focused on the health and well-being
of the youth in Scott County, Tennessee. School drug testing is just one of the functions we serve under the larger
umbrella of alcohol and drug prevention.
Part of what we do includes sponsoring prescription drug take-back events, advocate for policy changes related to
drug and alcohol ordinances, work with local law-enforcement agencies, and meet with community leaders and citizens
to shape drug and alcohol policies.
