A Report Detailing The Upcoming Seventh Grade Youth Summit

The Barnstable Youth CommissionThe Town of Barnstable

Compiled By Brendan W. Clark, Vice Chairman of the CommissionFor The Barnstable Town Council, 26 February 2015

“Drugs are the enemies of ambition and hope – and when we fight against drugs we are fighting

for the future.” – Bob Riley.

Statistics of The National Survey On Drug Use and Health

Source of Diagram: The National Survey On Drug Use & Health, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/policy-and-research/nsduhresults2011.pdf

General Information Regarding The Summit• When: Thursday, 19 March 2015 from 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Friday, 20 March 2015 from 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

• Where: The Hyannis Youth & Community Center: 141 Basset Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601

• Who: On Thursday, the parents of seventh grade students and any member of the community is invited to attend. On Friday, only the seventh grade students of Barnstable Intermediate School will be attending the Summit.

The Goal of the Seventh Grade Youth Summit

The Seventh Grade Youth Summit’s primary goal is to provide the seventh grade students of Barnstable Intermediate School with a

reasonable plan of operations for how to respond to a drug-related discourse in the event that they are confronted with one – and to make them aware of the individuals, services, and community leaders upon

whom they can rely in the case that they fall prey to the dangers of addiction.

A Brief History of the SummitIn late October of 2015, the Barnstable Youth Commission chose to

address the growing opiate and drug-related addiction crisis which continues to plague the Town of Barnstable and its surrounding communities as its primary agenda item for FY 2015. After surveying the resources and amenities available to service those affected, the Youth Commission noted that there is a general lack of focus regarding the prevention of addiction related issues in the Town and its associated communities.

The Youth Commission found, through research and studies, that the primary age group that would most benefit from an education regarding the dangers, effects, and negative qualities associated with the consumption of narcotics was students in the seventh grade. The reasoning for this was due to the fact that students in this age are about to transition to Barnstable High School, where they will likely have their first experience with drugs – be it an offer or the use of drugs themselves.

Speakers At The ConventionSpeakers At The Convention:

Brenda Conlan (Thursday’s Keynote Speaker): Brenda Conlan is a prevention specialist who is well-known for her efforts in informing adults about the dangers of drugs and the prevention of addiction with comedic humor. Ms. Conlan will be speaking to all parents and community members who attend on Thursday night.

The Improbable Players (Friday’s Keynote Speakers): An acting troupe from Boston with a focus on role-playing and the sharing of real experiences in order to influence change. The Improbably Players will be speaking to all of the seventh grade students in order to educate and provide them with information that they can apply to any drug encounter in the future.

The YMCA of Cape Cod (Thursday and Friday): The YMCA will be engaging in break-out sessions in groups of 25 students in order to educate them on the dangers and drawbacks of using illicit substances. The YMCA will have the opportunity to conference with the four hundred students of Barnstable Intermediate School.

Speakers At The Convention Continued

Understanding Diversity Classes (Thursday & Friday): Students in the Understanding Diversity Class at Barnstable High School, under the direction of Martha Swindler, will give short presentations to groups of 25 students and inform them of the culture and activities that take place at Barnstable High School.

“What Happened Here,” A Documentary By Sam Tarplin (Thursday Night Only): This documentary will offer adults the opportunity to view the stories of several residents from Cape Cod who have been profoundly affected as a result of their addiction to illicit substances. Mr. Tarplin will be available to answer questions following the screening of the movie.

Supporters and Sponsors of the Summit

• Cheryl Bartlett and Cape Cod Healthcare have generously sponsored the entire cost of the event, which covers the cost of the keynote speakers and other small expenses.

• First Student Incorporated has provided free bus transportation to the Hyannis Youth and Community Center from Barnstable Intermediate School on Friday the 20th.

Who Is Attending The Summit? • The Class of 2020, all 400 students of the seventh grade at Barnstable Intermediate

School.• The parents of the seventh grade students.• Citizens and community members.• Members of Civic Associations and other Town organizations.• Jeffery Perry as a representative of the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office. • Cheryl Bartlett of Cape Cod Healthcare.• State Representative, 1st Barnstable District, Timothy Whelan.• State Representative, 2nd Barnstable District, Brian Mannal.• State Senator Dan Wolf.• The Town Manager of Barnstable.• The Superintendent of Barnstable Public Schools.

Who Is Here To Help? • Youth Commissioners:Samuel Spillane, ChairmanBrendan W. Clark, Vice ChairmanCommissioners: Michael Hersey, Emma Mannal, Harry McDonald, Lianna Mitchell• The Barnstable Police Department:Emergency: 9-1-1Non-Emergency: 508.775.0387• Cape Cod Healthcare:Emergency: 9-1-1General Office: 508.771.1899

Questions or Comments?

For All General Inquires, Please Post To:

The Offices of the Barnstable Youth CommissionThe Town of Barnstable

141 Bassett LaneHyannis, MA 02601

Telephone: 508.790.6345, Ext. 109 Fax: 508.790.6279