RSVP REQUIRED - Invitation to Attend K2 (Spice) & Synthetic Substances Community Conversation

[c.Bennett]

*** please accept apologies for any cross-postings***

Hello All,

As Community Organizer for the DC Prevention Center for Wards 5 & 6, I have been doing my own research, surveys, speaking directly with youth, and holding seminars about K2 and other synthetic substances as it relates specifically to the District of Columbia. I wanted to share with you an important upcoming Community Conversation that I will be moderating Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Goethe Institut. 

Similar to the street price of marijuana yet legally purchased at carry-outs, liquor/tobacco stores, and gas stations here in the District, synthetic marijuana's presence and usage has taken over. A generous sample size of 172 youth and young adults were surveyed anonymously across Wards 5 & 6 to learn how they felt about synthetic marijuan

 a’s presence, usage and marketing in their communities:

  

• 68.02% have knowledge of K2 (spice)/ synthetic marijuana.
• Of those who have tried synthetic marijuana, the average age of first consumption was 13.5.
• 44.19% of youth have family members or friends who use synthetic marijuana.
• 31.40% can pinpoint exact locations in the District to purchase synthetic marijuana.
• 68.19% of the youth surveyed felt that synthetic marijuana’s presence is harmful to the community and 87.79%said that they would not be mad or upset if K2 was no longer sold in their communities.
• Numbers were close when asked if they saw a packet with cartoon characters on the front who they thought the contents were intended for. 33.72% reported children; 19.19% reported adults; 47.09% reported both. This leads me to believe that the youth are confused about the marketing. I've also found that most adults who have not seen synthetic marijuana, upon seeing it for the first time, mention that they would only think that their child had some sort of snack because of the way synthetic marijuana is packaged. All are confused.

More results of my research will be revealed as I lead a panel discussion and the audience in open dialogue after premiering the short documentary: Synthetic Marijuana: YOUth's Real Relationship with Fake Weed.

My goal is to give direct insight to youth's relationship with synthetic marijuana - their perceptions, experiences, opinions, and what their feelings are on the marketing of synthetic substances in their communities, our communities. Educating the public and discussing action agendas are also very important goals of mine.

Panelists include the Director of Prevention Services, Charles A. Dark, II, and representatives from MPD, DC Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Children's National Medical Center, Federal City Recovery Services, and the Psychiatric Institute of Washington.

Attendance is free.

Light refreshments will be served. 

Doors open at 5:30pm, the panel discussion begins at 6:00pm.

Distinguished invited guests include: Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Council Members Tommy Wells and Kenyan McDuffie, Commisioner GiGi Ransom, and other tentative guests.

  

 It is time to have a conversation about what the community wants to do about this epidemic here in the District of Columbia. 

Forwarding to your personal and professional networks is greatly appreciated.

"I am calling on you, our city leaders, our parents, and our community to outlaw the sale of synthetic marijuana and similar products that pack such dangerous highs. Hold our businesses accountable, educate our people, and stand to lead the charge for a healthier, drug free District and nation." - c.Bennett, March 26, 2012 District of Columbia Government John A. Wilson Building

RSVP HERE: http://www.k2conversation.eventbrite.com/

Attached also is the latest edition of the DC Prevention Center for Wards 5 & 6's newsletter. 

Thank you for your support. I look forward to seeing you Thursday.

Together In Service,

Courtney D. Bennett

Courtney D. Bennett

Youth Advocate & Community Organizer

DC Prevention Center Wards 5 & 6

President & Chief Executive Officer 

O.U.T.L.E.T | Opening Up To Let Everyone Thrive

202.423.5960 cell | askc...@gmail.com