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Elks
Launch "Ur Choice--Ur Voice" Campaign
Chicago, Ill.-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 Choicesand 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/dapor
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
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