Youth Connections

PRESS

Expect Respect Night Focuses On Preventing Bullying

Helena, MT – October 5th, 2011- The Helena School District is hosting a community “Expect Respect” night on October 6th at 7 PM in the Helena Middle School auditorium. Please join us to explore the roles of schools, parents, and community in addressing the issue of bullying.

Presentation Sends Warning About New Smokeless Tobacco Products

Helena, MT – June 20th, 2011- As communities across the nation and Montana take a stance against the Tobacco Industry, the industry is trying to get creative in creating new products that will fly under the radar. At 7am Tuesday morning in the board room at the Chamber of Commerce Katie Martin from the Lewis and Clark County Health Department in the Tobacco Use Prevention Program will make a presentation at the Youth Connections Coalition meeting sharing information about the new and very dangerous tobacco products that are soon to hit the shelves in our community.

Parents Of Graduates Take A Stand On Under Aged Drinking

Helena, MT – June 2nd, 2011- With graduation comes celebration and parties, and 91 parents of graduating seniors in the Helena School District have made a commitment to support their teens by refusing to serve or allow minors to drink alcohol at these celebration parties. The “Parents Who Host Lose The Most” is a campaign Youth Connections in partnership with Safe Schools Healthy Students initiative sponsors to heighten awareness around parental attitudes about alcohol impacting the possibility of youth drinking this time of year. In addition, the campaign aims to honor parents who commit to sending clear messages and expectations about alcohol by celebrating graduation parties for their seniors alcohol free.

Nationally Renowned Speaker Gives Parents Tools

Helena, MT – March 22nd, 2011- Janice Gabe, founder and president of New Perspectives of Indiana, a Nationally recognized adolescent and young adult therapist, is coming to Helena on Thursday, April 14th, for a community meeting from 6 PM- 8 PM at St. Peters Hospital Education Center.

Improving On What Already Exists: Helena, Montana, Amends Social Host Ordinance

After a year and half on the books, Helena, Montana’s social host ordinance was amended by the Helena City Commission. The original ordinance indicated that anyone who knowingly allowed underage drinking parties to take place on their property was subject to a civil citation. However, it soon became apparent that due to the civil nature of the violation there were barriers to enforcing the law. The city attorneys could not participate in the case, the issuing officer was required to appear in court as the plaintiff, the city had no warrant authority, the entire process was lengthy and the potential for resolution was slim. These issues prompted the Helena City Commission on November 3, 2009, with a 5-0 vote, to pass the amendment - changing the nature of the violation from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor.

This Success Story indicates the need to be vigilant and consistent on the prevention of youth access to alcohol. Through monitoring and reviewing the efficiency of their policies, Helena demonstrates how a collaborative and informed community can result in successful change.