DARE TO SAY NO

Cst. Mike Wicentowich of the Nakusp RCMP detachment is finalizing the DARE
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program which will be presented to
elementary school children. DARE developed in 1983 in Los Angeles, is
designed to give children "the skills to recognize and resist social
pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs."

It helps kids build their self-esteem, manage stress and anger, forsee
behavioural consequences, resist pro-drug media messages, and identify
alternatives to drug use.

The costs vary from school to school, but an average to cover the
essentials is $10-$20 per student for the 17-week core curriculum. Each
student gets a workbook and a T-shirt on "graduation", while the top
student in each class is awarded a medallion and the top three essays also
win prizes. Wicentowich talked about DARE to the Rotary Club recently,
asking for financial help, and he welcomes donations from anyone who'd like
to assist.