CHOICES Youth Dialogue Day 2013

The Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition’s (BBCC) Youth Action Board (YAB) and Maple Mobile Gas Station in Birmingham will sponsor Choices Youth-Dialogue Day 2013, featuring The Honorable Judge Diane D’Agostini of the 48th District Court. Judge D’Agostini is dedicated to educating students about the law and helping teens understand the ramifications of their decisions involving substance abuse.

The YAB is inviting parents to attend CHOICES, so they can be a part of this important dialogue and the solution. Research shows that kids who learn about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use from discussions with their parents, are up to 50% less likely to use. Parent involvement is key to the prevention effort. Our students have chosen to feature a live court session, to demonstrate the very real-life consequences that come with impulsive decisions teens make to use drugs and alcohol. This is an important opportunity for students and parents to witness an “eye-opening” presentation, hear directly from Judge D’Agostini and to dialogue with their peers in a safe, open and friendly environment. Following the court session, participants will then hear from Judge D’Agostinin directly; Dr. Susie Gross, a parent and clinical psychologist, specializing in depression, anxiety, grief, and loss, in Birmingham; Jacob, a high school student from the community who is currently in recovery; and Miss Michigan 2012, Angela Venditti, who’s platform issue is Above the Influence: Keeping Kids Drug Free.

After the court presentation and follow-up speakers, students and parents will break out into discussion groups (separately).

• 8:15 - 8:50 a.m. Check-in, light breakfast


• 8:50 - 9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks and Introductions


• 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. Presentation: Court Sessions,Judge D’Agostini Address, Follow-up Speakers


• 10:50 a.m. - 12: 00 p.m. Break-out Dialogue Sessions


• 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch, re-group, summary address

Please contact Kelly Michaud directly at 248-203-4615 or kmichaud@bbcoalition.org, by Friday, March 15,
2013, to reserve your spot. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.