D.A.R.E. PROGRAM ALIVE AND WELL

In the past several weeks I have heard echoed through the Commonwealth that
"D.A.R.E. is dead." This could not be further from the truth. Although
state funding has been cut to support our local programs, D.A.R.E will
never die.

It would be foolish of me to say that the $4.3 million appropriation is not
helpful to insure our children get the best drug and violence prevention
education possible. But now is not the time to roll over and bury this
program. The parents and grandparents of children recently graduating from
D.A.R.E. know that this program makes a difference in their children's
life. Did you ever see the look on the face of a proud parent or talk to
them at the conclusion of a ceremony? When was the last time you heard your
recent graduates say the program doesn't work or they dislike the D.A.R.E.
officer? Do you think the only thing on their minds is the money? D.A.R.E.
is not about the money, it's about four magical letters which when put
together spells KIDS.

I would challenge every D.A.R.E. graduate, every D.A.R.E. parent and every
business that supports what our D.A.R.E. officers do every day to not let
those that don't see it to bury this program. The success of D.A.R.E. has
always been people and communities, not legislative funding. I urge our
police departments and school administrators to be creative and find ways
to continue to educate our children. If you're as committed to this program
as I am, then join me and continue administering the D.A.R.E. curriculum.

MICHAEL C. MATHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GOVERNOR'S ALLIANCE AGAINST DRUGS, Boston