Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date:  December 2, 2009
Contact:  JoAnne Morak
Phone:  (315) 697-3588 

Local Youth Learn to Say No to Drugs 

Chittenango, NY—What do TV, movies and magazines teach us about drugs? 

18 mentees and their mentors investigated this question at the CAP Mentoring Program’s “Media Campaign Workshop” on November 18^th at the Chittenango Library.   

The workshop educated youth about the dangers of drug, tobacco and alcohol use with literature and information provided by Bridges (Madison County Promise) and Madison-Oneida BOCES.  Attendees also participated in a group discussion about how the media often portrays substance abuse as “fun” or “cool,” and the negative impact this can have on young viewers. 

The workshop was designed and lead by Maureen McCullough, a Communications major from SUNY Postdam, who has been interning with the CAP Mentoring Program since September. 

“I think it is really important for kids and young teens to hear about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse,” says McCullough. 

“There is so much out there in the media, in school, etc., that kids are often confused—I wanted to bring in a new perspective for them.” 

Following the discussion, each youth designed a poster that shows why substance abuse is unhealthy and encourages other youth to “just say no.”  The posters will be displayed throughout the county in the local library of each youth who attended the workshop. 

“This workshop showed our youth that you don’t have to accept everything you see on TV and in the magazines,” says Mentoring Program Coordinator JoAnne Morak. 

“These posters are the kids’ own “media campaign” that will tell the real story about substance abuse and, hopefully, help other youth make the right choices about drugs, tobacco and alcohol.” 

Community Action Partnership’s Mentoring Program reaches out to approximately 40 Madison County youth each year, bringing activities like these to inspire and educate the youth in the area. CAP is funded in part by the Madison County Youth Bureau, United Way of Greater Oneida, Madison County Promise, Madison County Department of Social Services and the Women’s Fund of Central New York, all playing their part in creating positive social interactions and developmental programs for the youth.

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