MCYAF Teens Work With Des Plaines Park Board on Alcohol Policy
The MCYAF Youth and Change Movement is a group of students from High School District 207 promoting healthy behavior and positive change in the community. This group of ten dedicated teens has already made significant strides toward bettering their communities.
Since July 2012, the teens collected over 550 surveys from adults in Maine Township and met with community leaders and festival organizers to learn about alcohol policy in order to ensure that area festivals continue to be safe and family friendly. Through observation at festivals and analysis of survey results, the teens concluded the Des Plaines Park District is effectively keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors at its annual Fall Fest.
The Youth and Change Movement teens suggested to the Park Board that one procedure that could be enhanced is the Park District's wristband policy. The current policy requires all patrons who purchase alcohol to be 21years of age or older and wear a wristband so they are easily identified.
The students requested the policy be modified to ensure that anyone who purchases OR consumes alcoholic beverages must wear a wristband indicating their I.D. has been checked and they are over 21.
Jane Acker, Maine South High School senior and founding member of the group said, “Our main goal is to adapt the alcohol policy to make sure future festivals continue to have a family friendly environment that promotes a safe and healthy event for patrons. We believe this enhancement will help other teens see that our community doesn't condone underage drinking.”
The Des Plaines Park District Board is expected to approve the revision to the policy in June.
About MCYAF
The Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide Maine Township residents with a foundation to make healthier choices. MCYAF works with parents, schools, police, youth, government, health care providers, social service, faith and civic organizations toward a common goal of healthy youth. MCYAF secures federal and state grants as well as corporate and private donations for programs and services that promote improved health for residents. For more information, see www.mcyaf.com or contact us at (847) 858-7090.
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