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About DFYIT

WHO WE ARE

Drug Free Youth In Town (DFYIT) is an organization dedicated to giving recognition to kids who choose to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Why? Because we know how hard it is to be a teenager and to not give in to peer pressure. In other words...because you deserve it!

Our mission is to support the development of healthy, productive, drug-free youth. We do this by providing drug information, as well as opportunities to learn leadership skills through community service activities and educational (but fun!) field trips for middle and high school students between the ages of 10 and 18 just like you!

The best part about our program is that the clubs are led by you! You get to elect your officers and from there members are given the opportunity to decide what activities are best for their club. Furthermore, DFYIT provides a great support system by surrounding you with students who are like minded. By resisting the temptation of substance use, you can send a powerful message of self-control and responsibility to your family, friends, school, and the community.

We are currently in 47 Miami-Dade/ 23 Broward County middle and high schools. There are over 7,000 students involved in DFYIT, who come from very different backgrounds. As a member, you get to participate in lots of fun activities, including, but not limited to community service, mentoring young children, club meetings, and special events that are all designed to celebrate the healthy, drug-free life that you have chosen.

The healthy choices that DFYIT members make, add to the positive impact made by providing a healthier environment for everyone in our community. Since its start in 1992, over 60,000 students have participated in the DFYIT program, impacting approximately 150,000 of their peers. Proudly, DFYIT members claim over a 99% drug-free rate!

WHAT WE DO

As a DFYIT member, you will have full access to the following services:

* Community Service Projects. We at DFYIT have found that by sponsoring community service projects, our members are more confident in themselves and develop skills that will prove to be an investment in themselves and their community.

*School Club Meetings. Meetings are set up by club officers and DFYIT Program Specialists, who are responsible for presenting information on the fight against alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Program Specialists also invite special guest speakers to tell their story concerning their experience or expertise on substance abuse.

*Educational Workshops, Conferences, and Events. Members have the opportunity to attend fun events that teach them about the hazards of alcohol and drug use. These events are also designed to ensure that you have fun and get the opportunity to meet other members who have the same interests as you!

*Drug Screening. When you first join you will be given a drug screening and from there you will be randomly tested throughout the year. This allows our members to proudly proclaim his or her drug-free status.

*Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). This is a very important committee made up of members from each school region. These students provide a vital link between the DFYIT organization and the youth of our communities. Members tell the organization what kids want by helping to plan events and informing staff of what's cool and what kids are concerned about.

*Parent To Parent Forums. Parents of DFYIT club members meet to discuss and explore their concerns related to today's youth as well as learn about the latest drug trends.

*Student Mentorship. DFYIT members have the opportunity to be mentors to elementary students, peers and siblings by providing them with an increased sense of belonging, security, and communication skills.