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=CHAMP - COMMUNITIES HOSTING ALTERNATIVES TO MINORS PARTYING=

=Sponsored by: MEYER FAMILY VISION, Corporate Sponsor= ==A huge thank you to Ron, Sara and Ryan Meyer of Meyer Family Vision as our first Corporate Sponsor. To date, they have donated over $1,200 to our effort. Please stop in to let them know how much you appreciate their support of our area teens. To learn how you can become a sponsor please contact either Bobbi Ayotte, Program Coordinator (906-315-2601 or email at bayotte@alumni.nmu.edu) or Brian Sarvello (906-362-1450 or email at bsarvello@maresa.org)==


 * Thank you for your interest in helping our youth stay drug and alcohol free!**

**“Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.”**
- Margaret Mead

__History__
The 2009-2010 school year saw a dramatic increase in the level of partying among teens in our area. In an effort to address this growing problem, concerned teens and adults are coming together to plan and host weekend drug-free and alcohol-free events to provide an alternative to partying. Positive and negative student leaders are in a constant tug-of-war for the hearts and minds of the majority of students. Unfortunately, the negative leaders have a huge advantage because it's never difficult to find a party. We are hoping to level the playing field and provide positive student leaders with the resources necessary to help their peers and ultimately to save lives.

=__Meetings__= First meeting (June 10,2010) - Approximately 30 teens and adults met initially on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at Ishpeming High School to identify community groups and organizations that offer activities for teens and to brainstorm other possible activities which could be offered in the future. The teens provided many great ideas on what activities/events would be most attractive to their peers. The adults were comprised of parents, educators and local youth group leaders.

Second meeting (June 24) & third meeting (July 8) - Teens and adults met again, at IHS to develop strategies to inform each stakeholder group of the initiative and secure their support. **Click here** to view the presentations from those evening.

**__We Need Your Help__**
Everyone who is concerned about underage drinking and drug use is invited to attend, especially groups, organizations, businesses and individuals interested in helping to provide activities and events for teens. For more information please contact Bobbi Ayotte at 906-315-2601 or email at bayotte@alumni.nmu.edu


 * Currently looking for any type of sponsor to: Host an event, donate in the form of money, merchandise, food, or in-kind service, or become a corporate sponsor.