Elks Launch Nationwide 'UR Choice UR Voice' Drug-Prevention Campaign
CHICAGO, March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has unveiled its new "UR Choice UR Voice" drug-prevention campaign, a multimedia platform featuring former Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington, nationally renowned motivational speaker Milton Creagh, and Grammy Award winning producer Isaiah "Izzy" Avalia.
The core of the campaign is the "UR Choice UR Voice" music video, which uses mainstream music to expose youth to a different, more realistic view of the dangers that illicit drugs present. By using a form of media familiar to youth, this new campaign is at the forefront of drug prevention methods.
In addition to the music video, the multimedia platform includes an accompanying background documentary, a pre- and post-test for students, and a discussion guide for teachers.
The tests feature multiple-choice questions regarding drug usage, and criminal activity resulting from substance abuse including assaults against women, gang activity and murder. One question asks, "How do most teen drug users make their first contact with illegal drugs?" The answer: "Through their friends."
For many students, the information is new. A student from Jamestown, Missouri, said, "I had no idea how much alcohol [and drugs] has affected the lives of the people around me."
The accompanying documentary introduces another facet to the campaign by providing interviews with current and recovering drug users, as well as with individuals indirectly impacted by drug use. A young girl, whose life was negatively affected by her father's drug abuse, is featured in the documentary. Viewers also are shown the background behind the production of the music video.
Already, this multimedia platform has been test-run at high schools across the United States, and success has been immediate. "Well over a thousand students and more than 50 faculty members departed the auditorium awestruck," said Raymond F. Ross, the former president of Colorado State Elks Association. "Students as young as 13 years old stood up and freely admitted before their peers and teachers that they were involved with illicit drugs and alcohol."
Since the early 1980s, the Elks National Drug Awareness Program has been recognized as the nation's largest volunteer-based drug prevention program. Aside from the "UR Choice UR Voice" campaign, the Elks Drug Awareness Program is renowned for its Marvel Comic Book, Hard Choices and its involvement in the national Red Ribbon Week in October where students pledge to be drug free.
With the "UR Choice UR Voice" campaign, the Elks Drug Awareness Program aims to present its materials at schools and youth community groups in partnership with local Elks Lodges across the nation.
Follow the UR Choice UR Voice Campaign at www.elks.org/dap or become a fan on Facebook by searching for "UR Choice UR Voice."
In 2009-10, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the B.P.O.E and fully funds the Drug Awareness Program. This year, the ENF allocated $748,200 to promote the Elks National Drug Awareness Program. For more information on the Drug Awareness Program, visit www.elks.org/dap.
For a copy of this press release online, visit www.elks.org/editors/default.cfm.
Helping Elks Build Stronger Communities
SOURCE Elks National Foundation
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