The Challenge: Create Ad Slogan To Steer Youth From Drugs, Alcohol

I had the very distinct opportunity to be a facilitator through the Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation (MCYAF). MCYAF was selected as one of three sites in Illinois and only 18 nationwide to be part of the Above the Influence  next advertising campaign.

Above the Influence is a campaign to help influence young people to remain drug free. According to its website, "It's a state of mind. It's about being yourself and not letting negative influence get to you."

Just last week, I participated with another member of MCYAF to assist some very bright, energetic and influential young ladies, all members of the cheerleading squad from Maine South High School in Park Ridge. These young ladies gave up their early morning before school to participate. The goal is to shape a message to help influence young people just like them to live a life Above the Influence.

Now as a police officer of over 18 years it was an experience that I found to be both rewarding and enlightening. I have been working with youth for most of my law enforcement career. This group of very energetic and bright ladies came in with ideas that were both uplifting and eye catching.

The Above the Influence campaign is part of the very thing that the MCYAF Organization is working to influence.

MCYAF Coalition Mission is to increase overall community capacity for advocacy, education, guidance and resources for families in order to promote alcohol-free and drug-free youth.

MCYAF Coalition Goals

1. Reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among Maine Township youth
2. Effect change in public policy
3. Establish and strengthen collaboration and capacity to address teen alcohol, tobacco and drug use

After completing this portion of the program two of the teens' ad campaign brand slogans were selected and potentially could go to regional and ultimately to the national ad campaign, for the Above the Influence brand. Regardless of the outcome, these bright young ladies crafted messages that would inspire and direct themselves and their friends in leading a drug free life.

I was proud to participate, and stand willing and able to represent the Niles Police Department in any effort to reduce drug involvement in Maine Township and beyond.