ANDREW M. MECCA

MENTORING HAS PROVEN WORTH

WE all know about the devastating effects of drug abuse. As California's
drug czar and a public health researcher for more than 25 years, I have
witnessed the tragic stories up close. With teens telling us that drugs are
their No. 1 concern, it's about time we put into practice some strategies
that work. In a recent study conducted by Columbia University's National
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, young people report what we
already know, but don't always do: We need to spend more time with our
children.

For many parents, playing basketball or working on homework after school
with their child remains a luxury. But there are smart, cost-effective
options available. Mentoring, or having a positive adult role model around,
works. And works well. Research indicates that young people involved with a
mentor are less likely to get involved with alcohol and other drugs, or
turn to violence.

Besides, it's far more cost effective to spend a few dollars on good
prevention early, rather than the expensive consequences. California is
taking the lead throughout the nation by leveraging mentoring as a
strategic policy option to combat the issue of youth drug abuse. More than
$14 million will be provided for the Mentor Initiative this year linking
at-risk youth with mentors. California proposes to recruit, train and place
250,000 mentors for at-risk youths by the year 2000. Both candidates in
California's governor's race have espoused the values of mentoring. It's
sound, data-driven policy based on solid research and clear, positive
outcomes.

Besides policy makers, corporate America recognizes the power of mentoring.
Along with Gen. Colin Powell and Gov. Pete Wilson, Disney, Nissan, Oracle,
Microsoft, Prudential, The Irvine Company, Pacific Telesis, Andersen
Consulting, The Dayton Hudson Corporation, and other private sector leaders
have all helped.

To show its commitment to at-risk youth, the Walt Disney Co. has agreed to
provide one million hours of volunteer community service by the year 2000,
in addition to hosting California's first Mentor Summit this month.

For mentoring to continue to work, we must also include rigorous evaluation
of our efforts. We must routinely question and assess what's working,
where, why, and when. With this information, policy makers, business
leaders, and other stakeholders in the problem can fund those efforts that
provide positive results.

It's time to spend some time listening to the real experts in overcoming
youth drug abuse -- California's children. Mentoring works. It provides
hope to young people in the bleakest conditions. It's the simple advantage
that helps them succeed.

Andrew M. Mecca is CEO of the California Mentor Foundation and former
director of the state Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. For more
information, call the California Mentor Initiative at (800) 444-3066.

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson