The Holyoke Youth Task Force is underway with a data collection project to find out what the community knows about social hosting laws. In Massachusetts, it is against the law to allow anyone under 21, except for your own child or grandchild, to drink alcohol on property you own or rent. Further, you can be sued if your child or another teenager drinks alcohol in your home and then causes harm to themselves or someone else.
HYTF member organization youth are taking to their neighborhoods, grocery stores, and even the mall to survey parents on the realities and perceptions of serving alcohol to minors in the home. Not only will this data help shape the message of the next social marketing campaign implemented by the Holyoke Youth Task Force, it also draws attention to this important issue. Further, by opening up inter-generational conversations around alcohol, the young people are reminding adults that they are a major influencing factor in teen lives.
The HYTF is in need of new members on the Social Marketing committee. If you are able to donate a few hours a month, please contact Rebecca Masters at (413) 532-6247, ext. 108 or email at rmasters@girlsincholyoke.org.
Holyoke Youth Commission and Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council Host Youth Candidate Forum
On October 27th, the Holyoke Youth Commission and the Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council brought together candidates running for Mayor and City Councilor At-Large for a forum dedicated to the questions of youth from the community. Holyoke youth posed questions from topics such as gang violence to community gardens.
Youth Commissioner and moderator Lee Eaton said of the event, "It was cool to hear what the candidates felt about the different issues and how the community might be different if they were in office."
This the second Youth Candidate Forum hosted by the Holyoke Youth Commission.
Holyoke Youth Task Force membership meeting. All are welcome to attend! 11:30-1:00 p.m. at Enlace de Familias--299 Main St. Holyoke.
Coming Soon!
The Holyoke Youth Task Force is gathering a group of community volunteers interested in reducing youth access to alcohol in Holyoke. Would you be interested in working with a fun, energetic group of people on this topic? If so, please contact Rebecca at 532-6247, extension 108.
