In June 2018 we hosted our
first Annual
“Be In The Know”
Youth Conference at
Bridgewater State University.
This day brought together over 115 students and advisors from 15 schools and youth serving organizations from around the region. The conference empowered these youth to create change within their community related to substance use prevention and to have a voice in issues. The day was filled with primarily student led presentations including how to start your own youth led coalition, information on a student support group for young people impacted by addiction and alternative coping skills. The key note speaker discussed the realities of addiction and the science behind it. Break-out sessions encouraged real conversations amongst youth that are typically hard to have.
We had the BEST DJ around donate his time for the youth. Thank you NewNew Musik for creating such a fun, vibrant spirit throughout the day! Spontaneous dance parties are our favorite!
Whitman-Hanson WILL brought together students from Our Minds Matter and SADD at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School to lead the group in a mindfulness activity before lunch.
Student Art Projects
Ms. Rushell Kwong’s AP high school students at Plymouth South High School spent the year working on this group project for their visual art gala. The art project is a doubled over hallow life size human figure constructed out of clear packing tape. Over the year, the group collected empty pill bottles and plastic syringes to fill the figure. The purpose behind the project was to bring awareness and education regarding the opioid epidemic.
Below are murals created by students from Rockland High School’s Art Department. These murals were designed for students to express themselves in their own creative way.
“My Anti drug is..”
“My voice matters because…”
“My voice can change…”
East Bridgewater Junior Senior High School has embedded a support group for students impacted by substance use into their school day. EB High HOPE was organized by youth for youth. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
Sachem Supporters from Middleboro High School sharing about all of their youth led initiatives for substance use prevention in their community and empowering their peers to do the same in their own community!
“World Café” Breakout Sessions
Students participated in break-out sessions to discuss the following questions about substance use in their communities: What is happening?
Why is it happening? What can I do?
WHAT DID YOU LIKE
ABOUT THE EVENT?
“My students enjoyed dancing and meeting others, they learned a lot about the science of addiction in simple terms for them to understand and they laughed and had fun too! They came away wanting to get more involved and share what they learned with peers.”
“It was *fun*! This is a serious topic & to see kids laughing & enjoying the day despite that, great job! I also liked the breakout sessions which forced the kids to meet other kids, share ideas, and step out of their comfort zone a bit. The speaker was fantastic as well!”
“I liked the displays around the room, including the poster ‘My anti-drug is…’. We will be using that at our school.”
“I liked that there were a lot of activities for kids to do. I liked that students had the opportunity to talk to one another. It was overall a very fun day.”
“Good pace and different activities.”
“It was engaging and celebratory of students that are motivated to tackle the issue of substance abuse.”
“Youth discussion was very powerful.”
“The presenters and the activities were great.”
“I appreciated the fact that the event was student geared/driven!”
“Everything! Here is a real need to reach younger children. The students feel strongly that students need to connect with their peers. This event gave them this opportunity.”
“The students from different districts mixing and getting to know each other and what they’re doing to support each other to not use substances.”
“That is was geared toward student involvement.”
“I think you guys did a great job organizing and I love that this event is happening. I am looking forward to next years.”
“Outstanding event! I look forward to next year!”
“Excellent D.J.! Great presenters!”
“It was clear how much work and thought was put into the day.”
“Well done. Looking forward to next year!”
Feel Good. Feel Better. Do Better!
Shouting out school spirit! The loudest school won a prize!
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School Students.
We had over 20 prizes donated to give away!
