As 2012 draws to a close, it’s time to think about resolutions to find solutions! Here are ways you can get involved to help raise awareness around underage/binge drinking, impaired driving, prescription drug and marijuana abuse — and you can make a difference in your community!
“As Americans gather with friends and family to share in the holiday season, National Impaired Driving Prevention Month reminds us of the importance of celebrating safely. Every year, accidents involving drunk, drugged, or distracted driving claim thousands of lives, leaving families to face the heartbreak of losing a loved one. We stand with all those [...]
The Prize Posse, part of the “Be the DD and Win” campaign, has come to Ventura twice over the summer, and will come through again on Friday, September 30.
Sergio Arias and Camilo Alvear, both 23 and from Ventura, won second place in the “Say It Straight Up” video contest presented by Straight Up in 2011. They created “Bobby V,” a sobering piece about a young woman and the consequences she suffered after driving under the influence. The contest judges appreciated the strong production [...]
2 bicyclists have been killed on Ventura County roadways this year, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office — both by alleged drunken drivers. Around the globe, all-white bikes are being chained to street signs near the sites of fatal accidents involving cyclists. They are called ghost bikes — somber reminders of tragedy and [...]
This post was written by a 16-year old Ventura County student in March 2010. I had three friends that were young and stupid. One of them was driving drunk and nobody were wearing seatbelts.
The first time I got drunk, I had no idea what I was doing. I was 14, out with friends who were much older, and ready to rebel. As I had been having regular fights with my stepfather at home (who raged at me while I wasn’t allowed to even slightly raise my voice to [...]
This post was written by a high school student during Straight Up’s 2010 Leadership Conference, copresented by Ventura Unified School District. I think drinking and driving is stupid to say the least, as well as underage drinking. My family has always been close. Alcoholism does run in my family. In 2002, my brother was in [...]
From the 2011 Leadership Summit – “You’re Not Alone”
In March 2011, teens in Ventura, CA gathered for a Leadership Summit to explore social issues and discuss their ideas for possible solutions for reducing underage and binge drinking and impaired driving in their community. Activities included improv games and social change theatre exploration, videomaking, writing, and discussion. Here is a speech presented during the [...]