The Drug-Free Marshals (DFM) are marking their 15th anniversary year with a new program to inspire older teens and young adults to take on new leadership roles in their communities.
 | Since 1993 an estimated 5 million youth and adults have pledged to be Drug-Free Marshals and Ambassadors. |
Since 1993 an estimated 5 million youth and adults in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England, Australia, South Africa, Taiwan, Japan and New Zealand, have pledged to be Drug-Free Marshals and Ambassadors, and to help their family and friends to also be drug-free.
A recent survey showed that a critical element in drug abuse prevention is the changing of attitudes about drugs. Expectation has a lot to do with it. For example, the survey found that teens whose parents believe it likely their child would experiment with drugs are more prone to smoke, drink and use drugs than teens whose parents reject the idea.
 | The Drug-Free Marshals have been recognized by civic and other leaders for drug education and community betterment activities. |
This year the Marshals are expanding their activities to include older teens and young adults. They will nominate and honor "Drug-Free Mentors"—young people who take part in drug-prevention activities in social settings, schools and colleges and in the work place. There will be special ceremonies acknowledging the Mentors and launching new projects to demonstrate that being drug-free is essential to independence, trust and competence.
"The Drug-Free Marshals are a fantastic community resource," said Robert Adams, Vice President of the Church of Scientology International. "The new Drug-Free Mentors program will build and strengthen drug-free activities in an age group that is very much at risk."
The Drug-Free Marshals program was launched in April 1993 by the Church of Scientology International to safeguard youth from the dangers of drugs and instill pride in being drug-free. The first 200 DFMs took their oath in Los Angeles and were highly praised and encouraged by officials and celebrities, including actor John Travolta, law enforcement officials and then-First Lady Nancy Reagan.
 | Drug-Free Marshals pledge to be drug-free and to help their family and friends do the same. |
Drug-Free Marshals pledge to be drug-free and to help their family and friends do the same. They carry out independent grass-roots activities in their areas and coordinators say the popularity of the program is due in no small measure to the strong need for community-based drug education and prevention programs.
"The prevalence of drugs today makes it essential that we demonstrate even more widely that being drug-free has a high value on both a personal and community level," said Bob Adams. "Programs like the Marshals generate pride and respect and help ensure our communities are safe and healthy."
For more information on Drug-Free Marshals activities in your area contact your nearest Church of Scientology or the Church of Scientology International at 323 960-3500.
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