We recently sponsored a Youth in Action training session in which we collaborated with law enforcement and We Are the Future youth. The Goal was to launch a social marketing campaign which addresses irresponsible marketing practices by area businesses that sell alcohol. After a day of activities geared to understanding the problem and learning how we can help, we decided to create a Youth in Action team. The team organized and decided on a “Sticker Shock” campaign in which the youth, law enforcement and any volunteers meet with business owners who are interested in participating. We ask if we may come into the place of business during working hours and place warning stickers on all alcoholic beverages. The stickers will be developed by We are the Future Youth. The hope is that business owners and customers will learn that youth are concerned about the problem of selling alcohol to underage youth and it might cause them to rethink there sales procedures. It could also show the community that there are young people who want to do something about this problem.
On a personal note, that I know is shared by Kristen, Jill, Carole and myself, it was quite heart warming to see local law enforcement officers interacting and having fun with these fabulous young people. That was a success in itself.