MANY STILL MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON PEER PRESSURE

I am a parent volunteer who has been working with the Summit
Prevention Alliance (SPA) on the Social Norms ("This Is Us") Program.

In response to Summit High School student Heather Hildreth's letter, I
would like to commend Heather and all of the SHS students who are
smart enough, mature enough, and have the strength of character to
choose not to drink or do drugs.

I also would like to commend Heather's parents and other parents in
the community who have instilled these values in their children and
serve as positive role models for them.

Unfortunately, as Heather points out in her letter, not all students
are as lucky. Some students do have parents who allow them to drink or
do drugs, and some even partake with their students.

I agree entirely with Heather this is a serious problem and needs to
be addressed. SPA has been discussing and considering extending the
Social Norms program to include a parent survey and campaign aimed at
encouraging parents to be positive role models.

The Social Norms Approach is not something that SPA made up because it
thinks SHS students are easily manipulated. Social Norms is an
approach that has been used nationally. It is based on solid
statistics and studies that show such an approach helps reduce risky
behaviors.

Heather does not think students would base a "potentially
life-threatening decision on whether or not their peers choose to do
so."

It sounds as if Heather does not make decisions based on peer
pressure. I believe, however, and statistics support the notion, that
many students are influenced, to varying degrees, by peer pressure.

Social Norms tells students and the community that not "everyone" at
the high school drinks or smokes pot, as is commonly perceived.

This information can help those students who are influenced by what
their peers are doing. They can make decisions based on accurate
information, at least, rather than on false perceptions. Our surveys
confirm there are students at the high school who drink and smoke pot,
but the statistics tell us that not anywhere near "everyone" does.

Social Norms aims to highlight the positive things students are doing.
I have often heard SHS students say (and even write to the newspaper)
that they resent being represented or perceived by the community as
all being bad.

Social Norms is attempting to change that attitude by advertising the
truth about the many positive things our students are doing.

Having worked with the people at SPA for several years, I can assure
you that, contrary to Heather's opinion, they think highly of and care
deeply about our students. Social Norms and other programs that SPA
sponsors, like the Asset Builders program, are all intended to benefit
and encourage our students.

If you have any ideas or comments about the Social Norms program, I
urge you to come to our next meeting and discuss them. Call SPA for
the date and time. We certainly could use more volunteers (both
students and parents) to contribute their ideas and help with the program.

Lori Adams, Silverthorne