Scientology "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" Campaign Adds K'no'wledge to War on Street Drugs and Violence
At the core of the program are booklets that detail the harmful effects of drugs like cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth, heroin, crack cocaine, ecstacy, LSD, painkillers, and Ritalin, or "kiddie cocaine" as it is commonly called.
Each booklet contains information including common street names of each drug, the drug's short- and long-term effects, quotes from actual users about their experiences with the drug, statistics detailing the scope of the drug's abuse, as well as information about what the drug is and where it is found.
The booklets also dispel common myths, including those surrounding marijuana.
"Marijuana users would have you and your children believe that you are merely inhaling a benign herb," said Peggy Harrison, the local program coordinator. "But in reality, this allegedly safe drug contains over 400 known toxins and cancer-causing chemicals, disrupts nerve cells in the brain harming one's memory, and damages the immune system."
The drug education and prevention program has motivated non-Scientologists like 50-year-old Drew Roberts of Roxbury to assist in the anti-drug effort.
Roberts, a former drug addict who "graduated" to using heroin at age 13 and landed in prison several times because of drug-related crimes, has volunteered his time on multiple occasions to help church officials distribute booklets to the community, handing out 1500 booklets in a single day.
"I've realized our youth need the help, they need the information, they need the example," Roberts said in an interview held across the street from Top Notch Barber Shop, the site of a double shooting last month.
Roberts said he doesn't know much about Scientology, but is less concerned with the source of the information, and more concerned with its validity.
"It's information, period," Roberts said. "It doesn't matter who it comes from or where it comes from as long as it's positive, truthful information."
The booklets are free and come with an activities manual anyone can use to start a "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" drug education and prevention activity in their area, along with a DVD that has the booklets in downloadable format (PDF) for printing and viewing.
The booklets are available at the Boston Church of Scientology at 448 Beacon Street in Boston, online at www.notodrugs-yestolife.org and at the church's Volunteer Ministry at 1783 Washington Street in Roxbury.
According to Ministry Director Robert Castagna, the anti-drug effort directly aligns with the Ministry's purpose by handling the underlying factors which lead to crime, namely drugs, literacy and the lack of moral values.
Ms. Harrison challenges community organizations, government agencies, schools and concerned citizens to help stop the drug-related violence and the harmful effects of drugs on our children and society. Contact a local "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" Coordinator to receive a copy of The Truth about Drugs Activities Manual or visit www.notodrugs-yestolife.org and print the booklets and get started.
"A lot of good-willed citizens and government officials are struggling with the good fight against drugs, and the violence that accompanies the drug culture," said Harrison. "What's really needed is truthful, easy-to-understand data to give children the knowledge they need to make an informed decisions."
As Roberts said, "All these kids want to do the right thing, they just don't know how."
Contacts:
Rev. Gerard Renna
Church of Scientology Boston
617-266-3841
Rev. Robert Castagna
Boston Scientology Ministry
617-833-9271
Author Information
Rev. Gerard Renna
Church of Scientology- Boston
