DARE NOT BE-ALL BUT DESERVES SUPPORT

Editor:

I am writing to respond to Robert Sharpe's April 8 letter regarding
the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program (DARE).

In his letter, Mr. Sharpe states studies show DARE is ineffective;
however, his letter contains some inaccurate statements.

There are at least 50 studies which show the positive effect of DARE.
The DARE program was originally developed in 1983 by educators in Los
Angeles. Since then, DARE has been updated and adapted to grow with
our continually changing society.

DARE has also expanded to provide reinforcement in later years,
including a middle and high school program, a parent program and DARE
PLUS (Play and Learn Under Supervision).

Would you teach a child in Grade 5 math or spelling and not follow up
with reinforcement later?

DARE provides factual information about drugs, violence and other
negative behaviours such as bullying and graffiti to our youth.

The DARE curriculum focuses on knowledge and skill development in
seven key areas: cognitive information, recognizing and resisting
pressures; refusal skills; thinking about consequences and risks;
interpersonal and communication skills; decision making; and positive
alternatives. All are presented in a very interactive and fun way.

DARE focuses on both raising awareness in these skill areas and their
practical application. Thousands of communities in 50 countries
across the world have reaped the benefit of this program.

DARE is not the sole answer to solving the drug problem. Education,
prevention, treatment and enforcement action are all necessary
components.

DARE recognizes the importance of collaboration, since parents,
community, school and police are all involved. DARE is in its infancy
in Kamloops.

We already have many community supporters who realize the value DARE
can bring to a young person's life.

DARE is about our children and providing them with the lifeskills
necessary to remain drug and violence free. Let's all support it.

RCMP Const. Kate Bamber

DARE co-ordinator

Kamloops city detachment