Alcohol problems in the community – Maccabi enters the arena
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and Maccabi Victoria have joined forces to present a unique and exciting Forum, ‘Alcohol and Youth, Your Say!’ targeted at Jewish Year 8, 9 and 10 students and their parents/guardians.
The aim of the Forum is for the participants to discuss the issue of youth and alcohol and have ‘their say’ about strategies for reducing alcohol misuse in the Jewish community. The proposed outcome of the Forum is to determine the current trends of youth alcohol misuse in the Jewish community and to develop a positive direction for the future.
Debbie Zauder, JCCV Youth Alcohol Project (YAP) Manager states that “this Forum is totally hands on for the participants. Both youth and parents/guardians will participate in facilitated interactive workshops to discuss the relevant issues. We want to learn from the youth and the parents at the Forum, we want them to explain what they see as the problem and what they think needs to be done to solve it.”
The Forum Organising Committee made up of JCCV and Maccabi Victoria representatives are currently recruiting participants for the Forum. To qualify, youth must be in Year 8, 9 or 10 at any school in Victoria, private or public, Jewish or non-Jewish. Furthermore, youth are strongly encouraged to attend with their parent/guardian.
Jacquie Lerner, Maccabi Victoria Events and Volunteers Manager adds “As key advocates for health and well-being through active participation, Maccabi Victoria is keen to hear from the youth and parents in our community. Let us all take an active role to understand what appears to be a widespread and growing issue and work together to pave the way for change.”
This unique partnership between the JCCV and Maccabi Victoria endeavours to build on the core values of both organisations including, youth, family, a healthy lifestyle and community spirit. The successful outcome of the Forum will be a report of the Forum’s findings that will be published and circulated, to the participants, schools and the Jewish community for further discussions.
The Forum will be held on Thursday 13th September 2012 at 7.30-9.30pm at Glen Eira Town Hall.
The Alcohol and Youth, Your Say Forum is kindly funded by a Glen Eira Council Community Grant.
