The 23rd annual Program Sharing Conference on Alcohol Tobacco, Other Drug and Violence Prevention drew over 600 prevention workers from around the state. The conference, held in St. Cloud on October 9 and 10, spotlighted innovative programs through its seventy concurrent sessions. These sessions covered a wide range of choices including tobacco intervention programs for youth and sessions about the task of a community defining its code of conduct. Other choices included ever popular programs involving youth theater and sessions dealing with drug use trends.

Greg Olson of Critters and Co. was among the exhibitors at the Programing Sharing Conference. He's found that using animals in his presentations builds receptivity to life-saving messages

Keynote and luncheon presentations added inspiration and information that, according to the conference evaluations, appeared quite helpful.

Dr. Mary Jansen, administrator in the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, opened the conference by detailing what scientific study has shown works in prevention. She shared details of some specific programs and strategies that seem to be showing success. She spoke about trends in substance use and abuse and noted areas where much more work needs to be done.

The luncheon address was given jointly by State Senator Ember Reichgott Junge and Representative Linda Wejcman who have authored legislation to reduce underage alcohol access. Senator Reichgott Junge noted that highway accidents are the number one cause of teen deaths and are often related to alcohol. She also noted that one-third of all juvenile crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol. Representative Linda Wejcman challenged members of the audience to contact their legislators about reducing youth access to alcohol. She encouraged involving youth in presentations to legislators with the message, "We care about ourselves. We need adults to show their concern."

Billy Mills, an Olympic gold medal winner in 1964, gave a moving account of his own secert in achieving his goal. He urges youth to find their passion and believe they can succeed.

The final, inspirational, plenary session presentation was given by Billy Mills. His presentation began with a radio announcement of his stunning come-from-behind victory to win a gold medal in the 1964 Olympic 10,000 meter run. "The simple secret to making dreams come true," he said, "is to find your positive desires and the passion to achieve your dreams." Mills, who is native American, says the warrior mentality he learned in his youth, a mentality that helped him succeed in the Olympics and in life involves self responsibility, humbling oneself to all creation, respecting elders, finding a core of spirituality, developing one's unique talents, discovering where one belongs and making a difference to society. He concluded his remarks with Jesse Owens' quote, "Everybody should have a dream."

The Program Sharing Conference is held each fall. The 1998 conference is scheduled for November 4 and 5 in St. Cloud, Minnesota.