HONOLULU — The Teen Advisory Council for the Hawaii Meth Project might not sound important, but it is. Just ask Erica Owan. The sophomore at Kauai High School is a former council member. She said being on it changed her
HONOLULU — The Teen Advisory Council for the Hawaii Meth Project might not sound important, but it is. Just ask Erica Owan.
The sophomore at Kauai High School is a former council member. She said being on it changed her life.
“I get to help teens all over Hawaii keep their future and goals by saying no to meth,” Owan said.
As a Teen Council member Owan said she learned to be an educator on the dangers of meth, and helps kids get the message that ‘just one hit’ can ruin not only your life — but the lives of those around you.
“Your worst possible nightmares become a reality when you’re on the drug,” Owan said. “Therefore, I take it seriously as a Teen Advisory Council member to go out in the community to try, to my best ability to make a difference.”
The Hawaii Meth Project announced that applications for its Teen Advisory Council are available for the 2014-2015 school year.
Public, private, and home school students entering grades 9 through 12 in the upcoming school year are encouraged to apply for 20 available positions. Members serve one term from July 2014 to June 2015.
Teen Advisory Council members have the opportunity to lead and facilitate outreach in their schools and communities across the state. They will be charged with raising awareness about the importance of methamphetamine prevention for youth.
County Life’s Choices Coordinator Theresa Koki, said her office is not a direct partner with the Meth Project, but she does work closely with the youth members. It is a great opportunity for youth to get involved in peer-to-peer education, she said.
“I have youth volunteers at each high school assisting our Life’s Choices program with underage drinking peer education and they really enjoy sending positive messages to their friends and family,” Koki said.
David Earles, executive director, Hawaii Meth Project, said students are vital to outreach efforts and for their dedication to the mission.
“Teen Advisory Council members provide us with direct connections to their peers and a crucial channel to communicate our message to teens statewide,” Earles said. “By engaging in peer-to-peer outreach, these teens are able to practice their communication and professional skills while making a positive difference in their own communities.”
Info: HawaiiMethProject.org
