The Vernonia Prevention Coalition is a diverse group of Adults and Students that have come together to reduce alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use by children. The Coalition also wants to reduce the age of onset of use as well. We work to educate students, adults, and to provide structured activities for the youth during and after school periods. Current projects are to build a skateboard park, an amphitheater, to assist any group or church or non-profit organization to run a structured school program. The Coalition meets the 2nd Wednesday of the Month from 2:00pm - 3:00pm at the District 47J administrative offices located at 475 Bridge St. For more information please call George Tice at 503-704-3588 or email gytice@aol.com

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION *Drug Enforcement *Law Enforcement *Alcohol Advertising WE HAVE SPEAKERS ON: *Alcohol Abuse *Meth Labs *Meth Abuse *Meth Transport *Marijuana *Other Coalitions

ALARMING STATISTICS *80% of the 11th graders in Columbia County used alcohol in the last 30 days. *27% of the 8th graders in Columbia County used marijuana in the last 30 days. *29% of students surveyed say, "I can talk to an adult neighbor about something important."

DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN DRUGS & CHURCHES Studies have been done across the country as well as Columbia County and Vernonia that report when youth are actively involved in churches, sports programs, and/or structured programs (ie. Boy Scouts) that there is a much lesser chance of drug use. Vernonia has many things to do for our youth. At the same time it is believed by some that without a mall, bowling alley, and/or movie theater to hang out in, there is nothing to do. Let's help the structured programs, churches, and actively patricipate in a youth program. Join the coalition, take part!