City of Independence, Ohio

It is the mission of 25 & Alive to promote positive choices for youth and parents, to reduce the occurrences of drinking and driving, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, and to provide support for social issues facing parents and young people.

One thing we know for sure--adolescents often have strong misconceptions about the world--they think that nothing will ever happen to them. It always happens to someone else, at someone else's school. Limitations characteristic of adolescent thinking can make some teens more vulnerable to negative influences and potentially dangerous behavior (TAP 2000 Report for Gorham School District, Chapter 10). One of these limitations is called the "invincibility fable" ~ an adolescent's belief that they are immune to common dangers like unprotected sex, drug abuse, high speed driving, etc. (psynotes5.htm). They believe they are invincible and can never be hurt (Berger, 1998).

We believe it is our responsibility as the adults in the community to recognize this as a stage in adolescent development. They can't think any other way ~ unless we help them to do so. Expecting a teenager to make "right choices" without steady, consistent parental involvement is like asking a 3-year old to balance the checkbook. It doesn't make sense. The good news is that this phase ends as time gives rise to a more realistic view of self and the world and the importance of and ability to adapt. So, in other words, if we can see them through this stage of invincibility to the age of 25 ~ Alive - they have a good shot at making it through the rest of their lives.

The "25 & Alive" program began as a grass-roots movement among concerned parents in the community. They knew that underage drinking was going on in our community but felt powerless to stop it, even among their own children. They brought their concerns to City Hall, where after several meetings, the answer became clear. The only way we would succeed in addressing this issue would be to involve all facets of the community ~ schools, churches, community services, city hall, police department, business community, parents and teenagers, and to focus on education. Representatives from each area volunteered to attend monthly meetings to discuss concerns and plan activities that would offer an alternative to underage drinking.

"Unity in the Community" became our unspoken battle cry. One way to demonstrate this unity was through use of a community-wide logo. 25 & Alive sponsored a logo contest where the youth of the community were invited to submit their ideas for a symbol that would communicate our message. Two winners were chosen ~ one for the artwork of an older hand helping along a younger hand, and one for the slogan, "YES" ~ Youths Excelling in Smart Choices. The logo is used in church bulletins, city newsletters, PTO newsletters, and Chamber of Commerce newsletters any time 25 & Alive sponsors an activity or contributes an article, showing a united front from all areas of the community. It's comparable to the "heart smart" symbol on a restaurant menu. When you see it, you know it's wholesome ~ something that's going to be good for you. When 25 & Alive sponsors an activity, parents can be assured that there will be no drinking, smoking or other harmful activities. Their child will be safe.

We also recognize that parents have the greatest influence on their children's decisions about drinking. Providing resources to parents has been a priority. In the 2000-2001 school year, 25 & Alive initiated the "Parent Pledge", a document which is freely signed by people who are committed to sending the message that alcohol use under the age of 21 is illegal and unacceptable. On a yearly basis, a directory of those parents who have signed the Parent Pledge is published and mailed. Parents can use this directory as a resource to contact others for support, to discuss concerns and communicate with each other. They know that if their child is going to that house, those parents share the same beliefs and values.

In August of 2002 we began our Membership Drive at Home Days. To-date, we have over 30 families who have stepped out to offer support for this most important program. We have also launched our Corporate Sponsorship Program, asking local businesses to help support this effort to guide our future leaders, employees and decision-makers. For more information, please visit the Membership section of our website and please consider joining us in partnership to help our children reach the age of 25 ~ Alive!