Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council

Hawaii Meth Project News Release

The Hawaii Meth Project, a nonprofit organization that implements large-scale, research-based campaigns and community action programs to reduce methamphetamine use in the state, is seeking applications for its Teen Advisory Council for the 2014-2015 school year.

During their terms, Teen Advisory Council members will 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, especially among Hawaii’s youth.

All high school students entering grades nine through 12 for the upcoming school year and attending public, private, and home schools statewide are encouraged to apply for one of 20 available positions on the council. Each member will serve for one term concurrent with the school year, from July 2014 to June 2015.

The Hawaii Meth Project seeks youth ambassadors of the “Not Even Once” message statewide and encourages students from all islands to apply to the Teen Advisory Council.

“Our former representative and graduate from Molokai High School, Hope Will, was an inspirational advocate in her community who led efforts to educate her peers about the risks of methamphetamine use,” said David Earles, executive director of the Hawaii Meth Project. “We are hopeful that bright and passionate students like Hope will recognize the importance of our message and help to continue our prevention efforts on Molokai.”

Students are vital to outreach efforts and Teen Advisory Council members provide direct connections to their peers and a crucial channel to communicate the message to teens statewide, added Earles. Building communication skills is key for current and future Teen Advisory Council members, as they will be asked to participate in monthly conference calls and contribute to group brainstorming sessions on how to most effectively relay to teens the Hawaii Meth Project’s key message of “Not Even Once.” Teen Advisory Council members will be expected to lead by example and perpetuate the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle.

Prospective members will be asked to dedicate between 10 to 20 hours of volunteer service work each month. Selected candidates must be available to attend a mandatory training session on Oahu from June 18 to 20 (travel expenses will be covered). Teens interested in applying to be a part of the 2014–2015 Teen Advisory Council must complete an official application, which can be found online at hawaiimethproject.org/About-Us/teen-council.php.

The completed application along with two letters of reference must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 by email to Georgi@hawaiimethproject.org or faxed to (808) 356-8645. Applicants wishing to submit hard copies by mail must have their applications postmarked by April 30 and mailed to: Hawaii Meth Project, TAC Applications, P.O. Box 3073, Honolulu, HI 96802.