Minutes from August Coalition Meeting

I felt like our meeting yesterday was a great success!

Here are the minutes. Please contact me if you have any questions!

Minutes: Smart Start Coalition

The CCP2 Smart Start Coalition meeting was held at 1 p.m. Aug. 27 at Cancun Dave’s in Kilgore. In attendance were Sherrie Johnson (DSHS); Richard Stanley (Kilgore PD); Rebecca Billings (Maximus); Cassie Billings (a student); Bettye Scarborough (WURC); Kamila Brown (RCHD); Lauren Barnes (Next Step); Erin LaCoste (Next Step); and David Dickerson (Next Step).

The meeting was called to order by Rebecca Smith, CCP2 coalition coordinator. Then the group went around the table and introduced themselves.

Rebecca explained her new leadership position and where she was in the process of determining which risk factors to address, which risk factors that show up in our needs assessment, and asked the group which they thought should be addressed and how first based on changeability, urgency and sustainability. Rebecca opened the floor to thoughts.

One group member said kids under 21 should not be selling alcohol. The group determined that was a larger goal and not immediately changeable. Perhaps the coalition should focus on getting retailers on board for better training first.

Group pointed out that minors who sell to their friends want to save face by selling to them even though it is illegal. Under 21 should not be in the position of policing customers (peer pressure, etc). Off Premise consumption is less involved than on-premise.

Group discussed Kilgore Together, by ETCADA, now defunded. Perhaps an opportunity to pick up where that left off.

Some of the stores in her area have strong corporate policy that requires all transactions to be carded. Needs to be a strong unified message that "Underage Drinking is NOT Okay."

Perception of harm is a huge problem--how can we educate?

Group discussed that kids don't want to hear from adults. Student leaders are more effective. How to get introverted kids invested? They have to see the whole dynamic and have buy-in.

Group discussed that the Teen Court in Kilgore was a good partner. Several ideas about holding parents accountable for kids who get MIP charges, or offering lesser sentences if kid rats on source.

Group discussed “Not in My House,” campaign in CCP3. Would that work in Kilgore?

Group discussed difficulty of enforcing limits to pasture parties and that there may be some upcoming new legislation. Group debated the pros and cons of Social Hosting Ordinance (Practicality of holding land owners responsible; one group member has two acres and says she would never know if kids were partying out there. But would having a law force landowners to pay attention? 500 acre oil lease road would be even more difficult to enforce).

Police are lacking support from the community for enforcement. Group discussed possibility of a similar campaign to “Not in my House” as foundation for PD support (parenting groups, community service partnerships?) Also, JP Courts are sentencing parents to education.

Is there room for a youth, school-based coalition? Members agree that student-led group would be the most successful. Group discussed how minors get their news from social media and how to take advantage of that.

Group discussed how getting arrested is a status symbol, pondered how to make it less “glamorous” to students.

Group discussed current activity of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Group discussed KISED, a student-led group that focuses on drug prevention. A possible partner?

Group discussed that kids don't think about their futures much, and have few role models in their lives besides celebrities.

Group discussed the importance of instilling in children the importance of having a plan before they are offered drugs/alcohol.

Police department was considering DARE program, may be interested in other curriculum that has a better, evidence-based outcome.

The homeschooling co-op is very popular, and have a Dallas-based prom. There is heavy parent involvement. Could the group partner with them?  Rebecca has emailed, will try again.

Group discusses the high number of churches in the area. There are nearly 40 churches in the 75662 zip code alone. Churches used to offer 5th quarter after football games, through Kilgore Together (ETCADA).

The superintendent of Kilgore schools has been there about a year, and is very open to new programs. New LOGO. New slogan: "I Believe."

Group believes the answer is hope--our kids need hope. No scare tactics. Middle school is too late, need to get to kids earlier! Need to know that somebody cares, and that life can be good. Many kids only see one way of life for themselves. Protective factors of hope, of sports, of valuing the future are important.

Getting young parents involved and founding a sense of community between parents/kids is important. Accountability. Start young.

Group discussed that kids want reality. Hearing "don't" too much deafens them, but avoid scare tactics. Be honest regarding effects. Group discussed recent powerful strategy where movie theater/text message PSA was used. Could we do something like that?

Group discussed effects of WET (marijuana soaked in formaldehyde) on student: single-use rendered one young guy crazy. He had a scholarship and bright future, but curiosity ruined his potential.

Rebecca thanked the group for their time and encouraged the group to send her ideas and thoughts even after the meeting and agreed to send out a copy of the sign-in sheet.

Adjourned at 2:35 p.m.