NHRMS: I AM THE 93% [Video]

Teen Leaders Changing Lives (TLCL) is a group of involved students that are working hard to change the negative perceptions about teens using alcohol.

The general perception amongst teenagers is that "everyone is using alcohol" to "fit in." The "I am the 93%" initiative was developed as a positive way to shatter the myth that not all students at the middle school level are involved in alcohol use.

"This project is important because it's all about perception. We often hear that all kids are using alcohol, when in reality, that just isn't true," said Toni McGabe of East Haddam Youth and Family Services (YFS), the organization that is overseeing the TLCL group.

The basis for the 93% campaign came out of the results of a 2010 survey of 7 to 12 graders. The survey found that only 7% of 7 and 8 grade students reported using alcohol. 

Whereas most conventional prevention programs would focus on that 7%, McGabe felt that the focus should be on the 93% that are not involved in using alcohol at a young age. YFS came together with TLCL to create a campaign that focused on what 93% of the middle school students are doing instead to "get the message across that you don't have to be using alcohol to fit in."

Students were given the option to take part in the program and over 150 students came forward to have their pictures taken and posted on the bulletin board that is proudly displayed in the school's cafeteria. In addition to the main board, there are posters around school of students holding up signs with "93%" that explains what they're involved with instead of alcohol use.

There was a lot of interest, McGabe said, from students wanting to be involved in the project.

Hear about the effects of the project firsthand from the students involved (see video). 

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A big Patch shout out to the students at Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School for "being the change they wish to see in the world" and to Youth and Family Services for supporting them.

Keep up the positive work!