NC ABC Commission Talk It Out Campaign, Girl Scouts Partner to Reduce Underage Drinking
Groups team up to launch Talk It Out Patch Program for NC Girl Scouts
Underage drinking is a very serious problem facing youth in North Carolina, and it’s starting earlier than most parents think. The average age children in North Carolina take their first drink is 13.9. Surveys in North Carolina show that kids want to hear from their parents – and say that if their parents talked more about the dangers of underage drinking, it would help stop the problem. To address the issue, the NC ABC Commission’s Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking launched Talk It Out—a multimedia campaign designed to get parents and kids talking about the real dangers of underage drinking.
“Girl Scouts is pleased to join with the North Carolina ABC Commission in the conversation to help stop underage drinking,” said Lisa Jones, chief executive officer at Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines. “We believe our role at Girl Scouts is to support girls in developing self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives. By placing resources and tools like the Talk It Out Patch Program into the hands of our volunteer leaders, Girl Scouts can partner with parents and trusted adults to address this important issue affecting all youth today.”
Patch Programs provide exposure to a wide variety of relevant topics, and equip Girl Scouts with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and deal with issues they may face in a positive way. The Talk It Out Patch Program is designed to educate participants about the realities of underage drinking, and provides a platform for parents and kids to engage in healthy discussion on the issue. Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines is making the Talk It Out Patch Program available to all Girl Scout Councils in the state.
“We want to make sure that everyone in North Carolina recognizes how serious underage drinking is. Even more important, we want parents to know that it’s up to them to make a difference in their kids’ lives,” said NC ABC Chairman Jim Gardner. “We’re proud to partner with the Girl Scouts, and hope the Talk It Out Patch Program will encourage parents and their kids to have meaningful discussions about the real dangers of underage drinking—honestly, openly and often.”
For more information on the Talk It Out campaign, visit www.TalkItOutNC.org.
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About the NC ABC Commission
North Carolina is one of 17 states to regulate alcohol through a control system. Since 1937, the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission has provided regulation and control over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages in the state of North Carolina. The Commission oversees permits allowing alcohol sales by more than 18,000 retail outlets across the state. http://abc.nc.gov.
About Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is 2.8 million strong – 2.8 million girls and adults who believe girls can change the world. It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. Today, Girl Scouts continue her vision of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strengths, passions, and talents. And with programs from coast to coast and across oceans, there’s a chance for every girl to do something amazing.
In partnership with 10,000 adult volunteers, Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines serves more than 26,000 girl members in 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties. The Council’s administrative headquarters is located in Raleigh, with additional program and service centers located in Goldsboro, Fayetteville and Wilmington. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.nccoastalpines.org or call (800) 284-4475.
Media Contact:
Luther Snyder
Executive Director, NC Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking
NC ABC Commission
919-779-8367 (o)
919-632-4828 (c)
