Columbus Conference Explores Prevention of Teen Violence and Drug Use

A University of Cincinnati center is coordinating a conference on how to keep kids on the right track in school and away from alcohol and substance abuse, violence and bullying. The conference will hold valuable information for teachers, counselors, law and juvenile justice professionals and parents. The 13th annual Ohio Prevention and Education Conference will be held Dec. 12-14 at the Mariott North Hotel, 6500 Doubletree Avenue, in Columbus, Ohio. The conference is coordinated by the Ohio Prevention and Education Resource Center/Ohio Safe Schools Center, based at UC.

Sessions and workshops will feature state and national experts on violence and drug prevention. They include a workshop that has the facts to show marijuana is not safe, despite what some teens may believe. Another session examines the so-called club drugs that are getting to children even younger than adolescent age, and inhalant abuse. Experts will also explain why both parents and teachers need to give kids the facts about the risks of drugs and alcohol. Featured speakers include folk singer Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary), founder of the national "Don't Laugh at Me" project, a musical campaign to prevent bullying. Also, Martin Brokenleg, a professor of Native American studies and director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps, and Antwone Fisher, a Los Angeles screenwriter who grew up in the foster care system in Cleveland, will be featured speakers.

Fisher will present a special award to his former teacher and mentor, Brenda Profit of Cleveland. The Ohio Department of Education, state department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, and the Masons of Ohio will also award school programs demonstrating best practices in prevention.

Details on registration are available through the OPERC toll-free number, 1-800-788-7254 or through the web site.