DOSE OF REALITY

A team of nine UCFV social service students are putting on the one-night
event as part of a community project, says Loren Humeny, a social worker
and a member of the organizing team.

They've invited speakers like RCMP Sgt. Bob Hall, along with reps from the
4-PEERS youth group to provide the youth perspective. The long-term aim is
to create a community-driven committee from the meeting.

"We tend to associate drug problems with east Vancouver but we have a huge
problem right here in Chilliwack," he says. "In order for us to beat to
this problem, it's going to have to come from the community. Will have to
develop some form of camaraderie, through parents helping parents.

He says many baby boomer parents tried drugs recreationally when they were
young.

"Now they are leading perfectly normal lives and have lived to tell about
it," he says. "But unfortunately our children have to face drug situations
today where they can sometimes get hooked faster, sometimes even after one
time, with dangerous drugs like methamphetamines and crack cocaine."

A successful meeting, Mr. Humeny says, would be not only community members
getting some new information, but for parents to take on a more pro-active
role.

"We need parents to step up to the plate here," he says.

His own children are approaching the age when drugs become an issue.

"My son tells me about what he sees at school. He says marijuana was
introduced to him in elementary school," he adds.

The team is looking for ways to impact the community and convince parents
to talk frankly and realistically with their kids about the drug situations
they'll be facing.

"There'll be some hardcore numbers presented, like the high percentage of
kids who have actually experimented with and are taking drugs. We hope to
bring some awareness for parents and what they're child could be involved with.

"Part of it is really getting to know your kids, let them know it's safe to
talk to you about anything and get to know who their friends are," he
concludes. "With the fast pace of life today, many people just don't do
that anymore."

Drug-awareness meeting, March 5, 6:30 p.m. Vedder Middle school.