MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Meth Project announces that the application for its Teen Advisory Council is now available for the 2013-2014 school year.

High school students, grades 9-12, across the state of Hawaii are encouraged to apply for one of 20 available positions. Public, private and home-schooled high school students from all counties are eligible to apply for consideration.

Members of the Council will lead and facilitate peer outreach through a variety of activities at their schools and in their communities.

Each member will serve for one term concurrent with the school year, from July 2013 to June 2014.

Teen Advisory Council members are vital to the Hawaii Meth Project’s community action programs, encouraging teen volunteerism and community engagement by spearheading outreach opportunities statewide.

Members of the Teen Advisory Council raise awareness about the dangers and risks of methamphetamine abuse statewide.

“Serving on the Teen Advisory Council has been a truly rewarding experience for me, and I’ve gained many valuable qualities such as leadership, communication, and organizational skills,” said Jordan Balbin, Kauai Teen Advisory Council member and senior at Kauai High School. “However, the most significant element of my term was having the opportunity to make a difference at my school and in my community. Meth is incredibly dangerous, and we can save lives by preventing people from trying it just once.”

Teen Advisory Council members will be expected to advise and consult with Hawaii Meth Project staff, aid in the planning and facilitating of school and community events, and actively participate in monthly conference calls with fellow council members.

Students will take part in a wide array of community activities, including recruiting and organizing teen volunteers to participate in community outreach at local events, creating and leading public education activities at their schools, and reaching out to their peers via Facebook and other social media efforts.

“In addition to gaining valuable experience, members of the Teen Advisory Council play a crucial role in helping to make the Hawaii Meth Project a more effective program,” said David Earles, Executive Director of the Hawaii Meth Project. “By providing a teen perspective on the Project’s public education and outreach activities, we gain feedback on how to best reach our target audience.”

Applicants must have an email address for group communications, be willing to check email regularly, and be able to attend up to two workshops in Honolulu, including a training session during the summer (travel and expenses will be provided).

Council members must also be willing to dedicate volunteer service work monthly and promote a drug-free lifestyle in all aspects of their lives.

Teens interested in applying for the 2013-2014 Teen Advisory Council must complete an official application, available online at www.methproject.org/action/hawaii

Parental consent is required. Completed application and two letters of reference, one from a teacher or school counselor and one from a coach, community, or business leader, must be submitted via fax at (808) 356-8645, or emailed to gdecosta@hawaiimethproject.org by 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

The Hawaii Meth Project is solely responsible for selecting candidates it believes are best qualified to serve on the Teen Advisory Council.