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While
having lunch at a local eatery this summer, I overheard
several women at the table next to me talking about their
organization and its volunteers. During their lively conversation,
one woman said, "I don't want to exhaust the few amazing
volunteers that we still have." This was a statement that
I could echo.
The
change in volunteerism over the past year is a corollary
of some of the greater changes that have taken place in
our society. People want to volunteer at their children's
schools, favored organizations and charities, but they
just don't seem to have much of the precious commodity
of time to do so.
Parent
Network operates solely on volunteer efforts. At the same
time we are sensitive to the demands made on families these
days from work, school and family obligations. As people
juggling schedules like everyone else, we know what it
feels like to be overwhelmed.
There
are talented and enthusiastic people in our community who
would greatly enhance our organization. We welcome those
people, even if they believe they are limited in available
time. Parent Network is sensitive to time constraints and
has developed a way to volunteer even if one does not think
that they have the time. Please contact www.myparentnetwork.org
to be a part of Parent Network of Greater Baltimore.
With
warmest regards,
Susan
Shofer
President, Parent Network of Greater Baltimore
Last month, more than 400 Division I
college presidents, NCAA athletic directors, and football
and basketball coaches called on NCAA Executive Committee
to review the organization's alcohol and advertising policy
at its meeting. Although the Executive Committee failed
to change the policy, Chairman Dr. Michael Adams of the
University of Georgia, acknowledged that "[beer advertising]
is inappropriate in (college sports).." That statement
reflects a significant shift at the NCAA amid a growing
consensus within its membership that profiting from promotions
to drink is at odds with colleges' responsibilities to
students and the broader community. More information can
be viewed on the web at: http://www.BeerFreeSportsTV.org.
CSPI filed suit agains MillerCoors Brewing
Company, formerly Miller, over its alcoholic energy drink,
"Sparks". The lawsuit is a followup to CSPI's
February 2008 notification of intent to sue over this product.
Please visit their website to view the press release <http://www.cspinet.org>,
as well as further details of the lawsuit and information
on alcoholic energy drinks. As always, feel free to contact
them at alcproject@cspinet.org with
any further questions or comments.
A PBS Special Frontline: a must-see for
all parents
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline
The parents in attendance at the Robert
Stutman lecture last week were called to react to the problems
of teenage substance abuse in three ways:
Availability – As parents, we can
monitor the prescription drugs in our own medicine cabinets
so that they are not misused. We should understand that the
drugs available to our children come from many sources, not
just a shady character in the school yard.
Absence of immediate harmful effects – Teenagers
need to understand the dangers of substance abuse even though
the effects are not necessarily immediate. Honesty is an
important component in any discussion with teenagers.
Attitude – Parents need to reject
the attitude that these destructive behaviors are part of
a “right of passage”. There are two main differences
in substance abuse from 20 years ago – more potent
drugs and earlier age of first time use.
For more information on how to talk to
your children at any age, visit the following websites:
www.TheStutmanGroup.com
click on Parent Resources and Information Drug Education
(PRIDE)
www.ParentingIsPrevention.org
www.theAntiDrug.com
Parent Network
assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the content
of any posted events and publications. Some events and
publications posted on this site are neither sponsored
by or endorsed by Parent Network. Such events and publications
are posted for information only.
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