News : Take Charge Conference Featured Over 100 Youth, 2 National Speakers

By Jeffrey Meyers, Prevention Speialist

On October 21st the Area Substance Abuse Council held its 20th Annual Take Charge conference, an event specifically designed for active high school students who want to be leaders in their schools and communities. This year featured a high turnout, comprising over 100 youth from schools in Linn, Benton, and Jones County. The conference served as an event that energized youth advocacy efforts, while also underscoring the power of students to affect positive change in ways they may not have been previously realized. It also provided an opportunity for the students to interact with those from other school districts, promoting a strong sense of unity throughout the group.

The students were able to hear two prominent national speakers, including Eastern Iowa native Andy Stoll. Andy spoke to the group about the challenges he faced growing up, and how he overcame those barriers by pursuing his passions, working hard, and taking risks. His message to the group was to not be afraid to think outside the box, and that ultimately the distance between where you are now and where you want to be, is closer than you think.

The group also heard Dr. Kevin Sabet speak about marijuana, discussing the health and societal implications of the drug, as well as the many misconceptions regarding its use. The students were given a chance to ask questions of Dr. Sabet, which proved to be both a lively and informative interaction.

To help the group put what they learned in to action, all students participated in activities meant to aid in identifying issues in their local communities, as well as how to effectively plan to address those concerns by using the resources available to them. To recognize their ongoing efforts, students will have the opportunity to earn service points, which can be earned through a variety of activities meant to promote substance abuse prevention and awareness. These points can be turned in for rewards such as gift cards.

This conference was made possible by a large number of local sponsors, whose generosity made possible the venue, food, and resources the students were provided with, in addition to door prizes for attendees. These sponsors include the RC RAIL Coalition, Benton County Above the Influence Coalition, the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition, United Way, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa Federations of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Business partners include Aldi, Quaker Oats, Planet X, Oakland Road Hy-Vee, General Mills, Panera Bread, Starbucks Coffee, Zio Johnno’s, Orange Leaf, Rockwell Collins, Chick-fil-a, Cedar Rapids Bowling Center, Pancheros, and Klinger Paint & Interiors.