About Us
Background
In 2006, local high school teens took a survey that included attitudes and usage of drugs and alcohol. The youth reported they were drinking at levels significantly above national and regional levels, and a group of citizens and LEAD formed a task force to examine the issue. Formed in December of 2006, the task force has now grown to over 100 people who are committed to being part of the solution to reduce underage alcohol use. In 2008, students (including middle school students) were surveyed again, and the results confirmed the need for continued concern.Mission of the Coalition
To significantly reduce the level of underage drinking and other drug use among local youth.Objectives
Achieve the mission with community wide, best practice initiatives in education, communication, enforcement and support to change the culture of underage drinking and other drug use in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Knollwood.Specific objectives of the Task Force are:
- Increase the awareness and understanding of the extent of the underage drinking problem in the community and the risks/consequences of drinking for youth and for parents.
- Engage the entire community (parents, government, churches, schools, athletic organizations, clubs, civic groups, etc.) in the effort to significantly reduce underage drinking.
- Reduce availability of alcohol to youth.
- Increase the support for youth to be alcohol free and pursue healthy lifestyles.
- Launch initiatives to reduce other drug use, including the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Want To Join The Coalition?
Concerned about kids and alcohol? Have time, interest, or special skills that could aid the group? New members are welcome and will be able to join a specific team working on the project. Just email us at SpeakupLFLB@gmail.com. Or call 847.295.9075.
Letter from the Governing Team
Dear LF/LB Parents and Friends,
The tragic accidents happening all over the North Shore, including right here in our community, bring light to the grim realities of the risks of drinking by teens. A growing body of scientific information also indicates that alcohol is more detrimental to developing bodies than we thought, raising it as a public health issue. Why should parents be especially concerned? Not only are children at risk when exposed to alcohol, but parents are as well. The recent case in Deerfield where parents were prosecuted and found guilty after teens died having consumed alcohol at their home has underscored the legal, financial, and emotional reasons why parents should be even more vigilant about curbing underage drinking.
Is underage drinking really a problem here?
Recent survey data and reports from parents and students say yes! Statistics from the 2006 and 2008 surveys among local youth showed that our teens are drinking with a frequency and quantity significantly above national and regional norms. We are also concerned that some youth are beginning to drink before they are old enough to go to high school! Read survey results:Can we change what has been the pattern for many years?
Just look at the changes in the behavior regarding seat belts and smoking. We are optimistic that we can create a safer community for our youth, and change this pattern of risky drinking by adolescents. But we need your help. We encourage you to get involved, to lend a hand in some way, and to join us in the effort to work together to make our community a healthy place for youth to flourish. We will keep you posted on our progress and look forward to your support.Sincerely,
The Coalition Governing Team:
Betty Frank Bailey, Director, Speak Up Prevention Coalition and Executive Director, LEAD
Dick Block, Parent and School District 115 Board Member
Glenn Burmeister, Deputy Police Chief, Lake Forest
Tony Palbicke, Dean of Students, Deerpath Middle School 7/8
Deborahanne Reimer, Parent