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	<title> - CIVIC VOLUNTEERS, YOUTH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE WAR ON DRUGS</title>
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	[House Hearing, 105 Congress]
	[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]




	CIVIC VOLUNTEERS, YOUTH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE WAR ON DRUGS
	=======================================================================


	HEARING

	before the

	SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY,
	INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

	of the

	COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT
	REFORM AND OVERSIGHT
	HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

	ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS

	FIRST SESSION
	__________

	FEBRUARY 26, 1997
	__________

	Serial No. 105-9
	__________

	Printed for the use of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight



	U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
	40-342 WASHINGTON : 2002
	________________________________________________________________________
	For Sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
	Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; (202) 512-1800
	Fax: (202) 512-2250 Mail: Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001



	COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM AND OVERSIGHT

	DAN BURTON, Indiana, Chairman
	BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York HENRY A. WAXMAN, California
	J. DENNIS HASTERT, Illinois TOM LANTOS, California
	CONSTANCE A. MORELLA, Maryland ROBERT E. WISE, Jr., West Virginia
	CHRISTOPHER SHAYS, Connecticut MAJOR R. OWENS, New York
	STEVEN H. SCHIFF, New Mexico EDOLPHUS TOWNS, New York
	CHRISTOPHER COX, California PAUL E. KANJORSKI, Pennsylvania
	ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida GARY A. CONDIT, California
	JOHN M. McHUGH, New York CAROLYN B. MALONEY, New York
	STEPHEN HORN, California THOMAS M. BARRETT, Wisconsin
	JOHN L. MICA, Florida ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, Washington,
	THOMAS M. DAVIS, Virginia DC
	DAVID M. McINTOSH, Indiana CHAKA FATTAH, Pennsylvania
	MARK E. SOUDER, Indiana TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania
	JOE SCARBOROUGH, Florida ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
	JOHN SHADEGG, Arizona DENNIS KUCINICH, Ohio
	STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH, Illinois
	MARSHALL ``MARK'' SANFORD, South DANNY K. DAVIS, Illinois
	Carolina JOHN F. TIERNEY, Massachusetts
	JOHN E. SUNUNU, New Hampshire JIM TURNER, Texas
	PETE SESSIONS, Texas THOMAS H. ALLEN, Maine
	MIKE PAPPAS, New Jersey ------
	VINCE SNOWBARGER, Kansas BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont
	BOB BARR, Georgia (Independent)
	------ ------
	Kevin Binger, Staff Director
	Daniel R. Moll, Deputy Staff Director
	Judith McCoy, Chief Clerk
	Phil Schiliro, Minority Staff Director
	------

	Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal
	Justice

	J. DENNIS HASTERT, Chairman
	MARK SOUDER, Indiana THOMAS M. BARRETT, Wisconsin
	CHRISTOPHER SHAYS, Connecticut TOM LANTOS, California
	STEVEN SCHIFF, New Mexico BOB WISE, West Virginia
	ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida GARY A. CONDIT, California
	JOHN McHUGH, New York ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH, Illinois
	JOHN L. MICA, Florida CAROLYN B. MALONEY, New York
	JOHN B. SHADEGG, Arizona ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
	STEVE LaTOURETTE, Ohio JIM TURNER, Texas
	BOB BARR, Georgia

	Ex Officio

	DAN BURTON, Indiana HENRY A. WAXMAN, California
	Robert Charles, Staff Director
	Sean Littlefield, Professional Staff Member
	Chris Marston, Legislative Assistant
	Ianthe Saylor, Clerk
	Elizabeth Mundinger, Minority Professional Staff









	C O N T E N T S

	----------
	Page
	Hearing held on February 26, 1997................................ 1
	Statement of:
	Creighton, John W., Jr., president, Boy Scouts of America;
	Faye Dissinger, international president, General Federation
	of Women's Clubs; Frank A. Sarnecki, director general,
	Loyal Order of Moose; and Mike Marshall, president, U.S.
	Junior Chamber of Commerce................................. 4
	Herndobler, Dick, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks;
	Gordon Thorson, national youth program director, Veterans
	of Foreign Wars; Howard Patterson, first vice-president,
	Lions Club International; William Pease, assistant director
	for children and teens program, American Legion Child
	Welfare Foundation; Don Baugher, president, accompanied by
	Larry Chisholm, national executive director, Masonic
	National Foundation for Children; and Dennis Windscheffel,
	drug prevention program consultant......................... 41
	Letters, statements, etc., submitted for the record by:
	Chisholm, Larry, national executive director, Masonic
	National Foundation for Children, prepared statement of.... 67
	Dissinger, Faye, international president, General Federation
	of Women's Clubs, prepared statement of.................... 8
	Herndobler, Dick, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
	prepared statement of...................................... 44
	Marshall, Mike, president, U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce,
	prepared statement of...................................... 28
	Patterson, Howard, first vice-president, Lions Club
	International, prepared statement of....................... 54
	Pease, William, assistant director for children and teens
	program, American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, prepared
	statement of............................................... 59
	Sarnecki, Frank A., director general, Loyal Order of Moose,
	prepared statement of...................................... 18
	Thorson, Gordon, national youth program director, Veterans of
	Foreign Wars, prepared statement of........................ 50
	Windscheffel, Dennis, drug prevention program consultant,
	prepared statement of...................................... 77







	CIVIC VOLUNTEERS, YOUTH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE WAR ON DRUGS

	----------


	WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1997

	House of Representatives,
	Subcommittee on National Security, International
	Affairs, and Criminal Justice, ,
	Committee on Government Reform and Oversight,
	Washington, DC.
	The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m., in
	room 2154, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. J. Dennis
	Hastert (chairman of the subcommittee) presiding.
	Present: Representatives Hastert, Shadegg, Barrett, and
	Cummings.
	Staff present: Robert Charles, staff director and chief
	counsel; Sean Littlefield, professional staff member; Chris
	Marston, legislative assistant; Ianthe Saylor, clerk; Elizabeth
	Mundinger, minority professional staff; and Jean Gosa, minority
	administrative clerk.
	Mr. Hastert. The Subcommittee on National Security,
	International Affairs, and Criminal Justice will come to order.
	I take great pleasure in calling this hearing this morning.
	As chairman of an oversight subcommittee, it seems that I
	rarely have a chance to bring good news into the public eye.
	Today, we have a chance to do that.
	While the problems of youth drug use are undoubtedly among
	the worst our Nation has faced, and faces, of all the problems
	we have, we have before us today representatives of volunteer
	organizations that are doing their level best to face that
	problem.
	It is with profound gratitude that I welcome today's two
	panels of witnesses. The service they do for our Nation should
	not go unappreciated. Even before we begin, let me go on the
	record: Thank you for all you do.
	Before we hear from our witnesses in more detail about
	their programs to fight drug abuse, let me set the stage by
	describing the problem we face with youth drug abuse. Illicit
	drug use among 8th and 10th graders has doubled in the last 5
	to 6 years. Five percent of high school seniors smoke marijuana
	on a daily basis, and three out of four have now used
	marijuana. Our children are using LSD and other hallucinogens,
	cocaine, heroin, and metham-phetamines, at increasing levels.
	Parents have stopped talking to their children about the
	dangers of drug abuse. Only 3 of 10 children say their parents
	have talked to them about drugs at all.
	Faced with a problem of this magnitude, I feel it is my
	duty as a Member of Congress to take every opportunity to
	encourage effective drug prevention programs like those
	represented by our witnesses here today.
	You people are leaders. You deeply care about America's
	children. You have helped, and are helping, to turn back the
	tide of illegal drug use, and you have done so as volunteers
	without extensive Federal aid. It is on the efforts like yours
	that this Nation's future depends.
	We know that one of the ways to prevent drug abuse is to
	give children a sense of self-value, self-worth. Society cannot
	do that in an institutional way. We cannot pass a law and make
	that happen. We cannot make a decree and make that happen. It
	is just hard work. It is in the trenches day after day. It is
	folks like you putting together programs to focus on kids, to
	give them the values and self-worth and the tools that they
	need to go on with life.
	We cannot dictate that our schools do it or that our
	churches do it or our communities do it; we can only hope that
	folks like you do it, and you are. I want to welcome you.
	Before proceeding with our first witness, I am pleased to
	turn to my colleague, the subcommittee's ranking minority
	member, my friend from Wisconsin, Tom Barrett, for any opening
	remarks he may have.
	Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you
	for holding this important hearing, and I want to thank our
	witnesses for sharing your time and your expertise with us
	today.
	We all recognize the importance of involving the community,
	including civic and service groups, in the War on Drugs.
	Community groups can help fix this problem. The Federal
	Government already recognizes the importance of civic groups by
	providing Federal funding to community coalitions to
	demonstrate how they are fighting drug abuse.
	However, unfortunately, 2 years ago, in the frenzy to cut
	social programs, drug abuse prevention programs, including
	demonstration projects, were cut 62 percent. Fortunately, the
	good news is that Members on both sides of the aisle realized
	that this was a mistake, and much of the prevention funding has
	been restored.
	As a result, we now have 122 community coalition
	demonstration grants. Almost every State has one, including my
	State of Wisconsin, and Federal seed money has helped build a
	strong community network, which now includes over 4,000
	community partnership programs. They are a strong weapon
	against drug abuse, and they deserve our support.
	When I talk to people in my community about programs,
	community programs, and obviously the one that gets the most
	criticism are the basketball programs, I explain to people that
	I would much rather have kids shooting basketballs than
	shooting heroin. I would much rather have them shooting
	basketballs than shooting guns; and I think, to the extent that
	we can get young people involved in positive community outlets
	across the spectrum, I think we all gain from that.
	It is my understanding that the majority is working with
	others to draft a bill that will provide community coalitions
	with a new and more permanent source of Federal funding, and I
	applaud that effort. I look forward to working with the
	chairman to make sure that this is a truly bipartisan effort,
	and I hope that we can find a funding source for this new
	initiative without damaging existing effective drug programs
	which have been successful--for example, the Substance Abuse
	and Mental Health Services Grant Program, which provided
	funding used to treat 340,000 people with serious substance
	abuse programs in 1995, or the National Institute of Drug
	Abuse, which provides 85 percent of drug abuse research.
	I do not want to see these important initiatives hurt. I do
	not think we should be robbing Peter to pay Paul.
	Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to testify.
	I think that in upcoming hearings we may want to hear from some
	other groups as well, groups like the Congress of National
	Black Churches; community groups like the Hispanic-Black
	Community Prevention Network, and others who are also deeply
	entrenched in the War on Drugs and have a great deal of insight
	to share with us.
	But today, I am very excited to hear from the people who
	are before us and look forward to your testimony.
	Mr. Hastert. Mr. Souder, do you have an opening statement?
	Mr. Souder. I have a statement, but I wanted to
	congratulate all of the people here today for your commitment
	at the grassroots level, because it is good to see that not
	everybody says that something has to start in Washington and
	then unless Washington moves, nothing is going to happen.
	Everybody back home, my family in Indiana and everybody around
	the country, realizes that we are drowning in drugs. Our kids
	are at risk, our families are at risk, and unless every parent
	gets involved, every school gets involved, all churches in the
	communities, we are never going to lick this problem.
	Part of the reason I am here today is I want to hear what
	your groups are doing, and I want to congratulate you. It is
	really good to see. We need to do what we can out of
	Washington, but it is good to see the response coming from back
	home and not always coming from here in the Capitol Building.
	Thank you very much.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Mr. Souder. I would like to welcome
	our first panel.
	John W. Creighton is president of the Boy Scouts of
	America. Faye Dissinger is the president of the General
	Federation of Women's Clubs. Frank Sarnecki is the director
	general of the Loyal Order of the Moose, and I have to say, Mr.
	Sarnecki, I certainly welcome you; and Mooseheart is at the
	very heart of my district, and I have a great appreciation for
	it. Mike Marshall is the president of the U.S. Junior Chamber
	of Commerce.
	We welcome all of you, and we are pleased to have you here.
	If you would please stand and raise your hands, the committee's
	rules require me to swear you in.
	[Witnesses sworn.]
	Mr. Hastert. Let the record show that the witnesses
	responded in the affirmative.
	Thank you, and please proceed with your opening statements.
	We will start with you, Mr. Creighton.

	STATEMENTS OF JOHN W. CREIGHTON, JR., PRESIDENT, BOY SCOUTS OF
	AMERICA; FAYE DISSINGER, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, GENERAL
	FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS; FRANK A. SARNECKI, DIRECTOR
	GENERAL, LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE; AND MIKE MARSHALL, PRESIDENT,
	U.S. JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

	Mr. Creighton. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for inviting us
	here, and good morning. My name is Jack Creighton, and I am the
	president and chief executive officer of the Weyerhauser Co.,
	but I am here this morning in my role as volunteer president of
	America's premiere youth-serving organization, the Boy Scouts
	of America.
	It is a pleasure to be with you to discuss the programs of
	the scouting organization and share with you the efforts the
	Boys Scouts of America have undertaken to help combat drug use
	in our society.
	Today's scouting offers five programs designed to serve the
	needs of boys and girls of various age groups. Please allow me
	a moment to describe briefly these five programs.
	Tiger Cubs are boys in the first grade who learn new skills
	with an adult family member. They work together on projects and
	attend a monthly event with other Tiger Cubs.
	Cub Scouts, for boys in the second through fifth grade,
	work with their families and meet for weekly, age-specific
	activities in small groups.
	Boy Scouts comprise our oldest and most traditional
	program. Camping, outdoor activities, and a challenging
	advancement program help develop self-reliance and leadership
	skills for boys in the 6th through 12th grades.
	Exploring is for young men and women in the ninth grade
	through age 20. Explorers learn to make career decisions
	through a hands-on sampling of vocational and hobby options.
	Finally, Learning for Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of
	the Boy Scouts of America. Its programs are designed to support
	classroom teaching and help prepare students to handle the
	complexities of contemporary society.
	These five programs impacted the lives of 4,400,000 of our
	Nation's youth last year. As an aside, our increase in
	membership last year was the largest in 26 years.
	Scouting combines fun with educational activities and
	lifelong values to a broad range of young people. We help
	parents strengthen character, develop good citizenship, and
	enhance both mental and physical fitness in their sons and
	daughters.
	The Boy Scouts of America's efforts to combat drug use
	began with a call from the Reagan White House in 1987.
	President Reagan personally challenged the scouting
	organization to join the fight against drug abuse. Following
	that meeting, the Boy Scouts of America aggressively addressed
	what it considered to be five unacceptables in our society:
	hunger, child abuse, illiteracy, youth unemployment, and drug
	abuse.
	Later that same year, scouting introduced its new anti-drug
	program titled ``Drugs: A Deadly Game.'' Included in this anti-
	drug package are a videotape; a poster showing how drugs,
	alcohol, and smoking damage the human body; and a teaching
	guide for use by parents and instructors. These materials are
	also provided in Spanish and contain minimum scouting
	identification so that civic, educational, and religious groups
	will utilize the materials as well.
	The third edition of ``Drugs: A Deadly Game,'' launched in
	1994, speaks to today's issues, such as the escalating crack
	epidemic, increased use of inhalants, and the popularization of
	steroids. More than 16 million copies of the ``Drugs: A Deadly
	Game'' booklet have been distributed since 1987, making it one
	of the largest national anti-drug efforts ever undertaken.
	In 1989, scouting produced a publication titled ``How To
	Protect Your Child from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parent's
	Guide,'' plus a videotape and instructor's guide for training
	adult volunteer leaders. So that every parent could easily
	obtain a copy of the parent's guide, it was eventually inserted
	into the inside cover of every handbook used by young people in
	scouting. Today, these important messages about drug abuse are
	included as a regular part of our handbooks for youth members.
	In the fall of 1994, we were asked to participate with the
	Office of National Drug Control Policy in the development of a
	National Drug Control Strategy. Working with this group, we
	continue to be advocating focusing on a comprehensive education
	and prevention program aimed at youth which warns about the
	dangers of drug abuse.
	At our 1996 National Annual Meeting, we introduced a new
	Crime Prevention Program. We sincerely appreciate the
	opportunity to work with the National Crime Prevention Council,
	the International Association of Police Chiefs, and the
	National Sheriff's Association in developing this new
	initiative. We also enjoyed the support of U.S. Attorney
	General Janet Reno as we launched our program this past October
	during National Crime Prevention Month.
	Designed for use by Scouts and non-Scouts alike, our Crime
	Prevention Program continues to promote the ``Drugs: A Deadly
	Game'' material.
	In May 1995, Lou Harris and Associates released a study
	titled ``The Values of Men and Boys in America.'' This study
	revealed many interesting findings related to values. Among
	other things, it showed that a scouting experience has a
	positive impact on values. It also revealed that 51 percent of
	the men in America were once Scouts--51 percent.
	I mention this as a way to impress upon you that the Boy
	Scouts of America can, and does, make an impact on youth and
	adult members that we serve today. The total number of youth
	and adult members of the Boy Scouts is 5.6 million.
	Think for a moment about what goes through your mind when
	someone you meet says that you were a scout, they were a scout.
	I bet you would take note, I bet you would immediately know
	something about this person's values, I bet you know about his
	drive to succeed, and I bet you know something about his
	character.
	You know all of this without him saying anything else about
	himself, except that he was a Scout. Everything I have shared
	with you today requires no Government funding. The Boy Scouts
	of America is proud to pledge the resources required to support
	its tradition of teaching values to young people and to
	continue our efforts to combat the use of drugs by American
	youth. Thank you very much.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Mr. Creighton. Now, I welcome Ms.
	Dissinger.
	Ms. Dissinger. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the General
	Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), I want to thank you and the
	members of the Subcommittee on National Security, International
	Affairs, and Criminal Justice for holding this hearing and
	allowing me the opportunity to submit testimony describing
	GFWC's efforts to help American youth stay drug free.
	As international president of the General Federation of
	Women's Clubs, one of the world's largest and oldest service
	organizations, I speak for more than 260,000 members throughout
	the United States who are generalists in many areas and expert
	at identifying issues important to families and at working to
	further volunteer service.
	For more than 100 years, GFWC has built an outstanding
	record of accomplishments. Our members work to address the
	diverse needs of their communities by networking with
	specialized associations, as well as with local public agencies
	and private groups, in order to maximize the effectiveness of
	our community service work. During the previous 2-year period,
	1994 to 1996, our 6,500 clubs reported more than 26 million
	volunteer hours and $55 million donated to over 400,000
	projects nationwide.
	GFWC began to concentrate on drug abuse programs in the
	mid-1960's, with the first GFWC resolution on substance abuse
	adopted in 1968. The Federation launched its alcohol and drug
	abuse education and awareness program for women and children in
	1974. Ever since then, clubs have had programs to support our
	two GFWC resolutions, both updated in 1995, that recommend
	educating their communities, promoting activism in the
	prevention of substance abuse among the Nation's youth and
	supporting efforts of Federal, State, and local governments.
	The stated purpose of GFWC's program is to educate members
	about substance abuse issues and prevention methods for young
	adults and to encourage members to take an active role in
	prevention efforts in their communities. GFWC's program is
	supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose agents
	work closely with the clubs to educate the community through
	the Drug Demand Reduction Program.
	In addition, GFWC members work frequently with their
	successful programs with such organizations as Mothers Against
	Drunk Driving (MADD), Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD),
	the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA), the Young Women's
	Christian Association (YWCA), as well as local schools and
	shelters and both Girl and Boy Scouts.
	During 1996, GFWC clubs, working in the area of substance
	abuse prevention, reported 200,000 volunteer hours and $890,000
	donated to over 2 million recipients. While the Federation is
	proud of its cooperative efforts with local law enforcement
	agencies, schools, and other organizations, we believe that
	Federal, State, and local governments also must work to make
	current and new programs effective in helping to eradicate the
	drug problem.
	I would like to share with members of the subcommittee some
	descriptions of GFWC club programs that illustrate our belief
	that a consistent, educational, anti-drug message can and does
	impact the Nation's youth drug problem. For example, clubs
	nationwide support Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E.
	One Ohio club raised money for a female police officer, who as
	a single mother, would otherwise have not been able to become a
	D.A.R.E. officer. In the State of Georgia, a GFWC club, working
	with a Sertoma Club, brought 1,500 fourth-grade students to a
	drug-free pep rally. Another club performed a puppet show about
	substance abuse at a shelter for abused women and children.
	California clubs gave $600 to support a program for recovering
	abusers that provides work and job training. A program known as
	Friday Night Live, organized by club members and parents,
	working with police and students, plans alternative parties for
	young people.
	Clubwomen in over 30 States donated money and participated
	in Red Ribbon Week, a national family partnership program, by
	distributing ribbons signifying ``say no'' to drugs.
	It is my sincere hope that the information that I have
	provided will assist members of the subcommittee as they work
	to formulate a response to America's drug problem.
	[The prepared statement of Ms. Dissinger follows:]
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	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Ms. Dissinger. Now, I'd like to
	have the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Sarnecki, of the Moose.
	Mr. Sarnecki. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the
	committee. On behalf of Moose International, I thank you for
	the opportunity to present testimony here this morning
	regarding drug abuse and what we are attempting to do as a
	preventive measure.
	Moose International is a nonprofit, fraternal organization
	founded in 1888 for the purpose of inspiring lofty sentiments
	relative to humanity's welfare. Currently, there are over 2,100
	lodges representing nearly 1,736,000 men and women of the Loyal
	Order of Moose pursuing the dream and doing a great job of it.
	The fraternity's first philanthropic endeavor consisted of
	building a child care facility 35 miles west of Chicago called
	Mooseheart. There we are caring for children who need the
	benefit of a residential and educational facility such as
	Mooseheart.
	Our second philanthropic endeavor is located outside of
	Jacksonville, FL in the Orange Park community called
	Moosehaven. This is a retirement community for our senior
	members and their wives. Those who reside at Moosehaven are
	there because of a need: a helping hand in the later years of
	their life.
	Believing that only the home, the church, and the school
	have the eminent right to reside in communities, this
	fraternity put together their third philanthropic endeavor,
	called community service. The community service program of the
	Moose centers around helping not only the youth, but also
	senior citizens.
	In addition to volunteering time and effort at various
	Veterans Administration Medical Centers, volunteer hours are
	also expended locally through walk-a-thons, Adopt a Highway,
	Meals on Wheels, telethons, local blood drives, food
	collections, Toys for Tots, and providing holiday meals for
	those less fortunate individuals.
	The flagship of the Moose International Community Service
	Program is the Moose Youth Awareness Program, a program that
	was developed in 1986 from an invitation extended to the
	fraternity to visit with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady
	Nancy in an effort to encourage organizations to adopt the
	``Just Say No to Drugs'' program. That program evolved through
	the years and is now known as Moose International Youth
	Awareness Program.
	Can teenagers persuade younger children to make the right
	choices in life? ``Yes,'' say the teens and adults who work
	together in our Youth Awareness Program. For 10 years, we have
	organized high-school-age leaders into a highly effective
	speakers bureau to persuade preschool- and elementary-age
	youngsters against drug use. We have now expanded our program
	to bring awareness to 4- to 9-year-olds on other subjects, such
	as child abuse, gangs, and other elements that have an adverse
	effect on the youth of today.
	More than 1,200 eager teens gather at Moose Association
	Student Congresses around the United States and Canada
	annually. They come to exchange good ideas, to help themselves
	and others to deal with the adverse elements in their own
	communities. Many of the students revealed experiences in their
	own lives which made them want to prevent further tragedies.
	Many are already leaders in their schools or community youth
	awareness programs, and some became leaders at the Youth
	Congresses.
	During the course of the Association Student Congress, the
	students focus on creating Moose KidsTalk, which are short
	presentations that they will personally give to groups of 4- to
	9-year-olds in their home towns. Adult experts were brought in
	to inspire where needed, but best of all, the students
	initiated their own ideas for Moose KidsTalk. They thought up
	ways to empower children to choose health and resist danger and
	how to put them into practice.
	Several of our students used costumes to convey their
	messages to 4- to 9-year-old age groups and encouraged them to
	make healthy choices. Others used props or pictures of sports
	heroes to get the attention of their elementary-age children.
	Many presented skits, some teaming up with young audience
	members to play parts.
	Most bring activity aids, such as coloring books, flash
	cards, or, yes, even a mouse trap. Their sponsoring Moose
	lodges and Women of the Moose chapters are additionally
	challenged to help make arrangements for their KidsTalk. The
	1996 KidsTalk audience numbered more than 32,000 youngsters.
	Following the Association Student Congresses, they are
	challenged to become speakers' bureaus, finding opportunities
	to speak with groups of children, such as Cub Scouts, Brownies,
	Bluebirds, elementary school or Sunday school classes, to name
	just a few.
	Each student is asked to complete a minimum of three
	KidsTalks in their own home town or community. About 65 of the
	teens attending the Association Student Congresses are then
	selected by their peers to attend, along with a guest team from
	Great Britain, the International Student Congress.
	The 1997 International Student Congress will be held at the
	Washington Dulles Hyatt Hotel and includes a full day of
	touring Washington, DC, on Friday, May 2, 1997. Those 65
	students will start with breakfast at the U.S. Capitol and
	complete the day by boarding the Spirit of Washington cruise
	ship that evening for a dinner cruise on the Potomac. The
	following 2 days are spent exchanging various methods of
	presentations to our target 4- to 9-year-old-age-group
	youngsters.
	At the end of the second day, those students vote to
	determine the best of the best. Two students are awarded $1,000
	scholarships, and the top student is awarded a $5,000
	scholarship and a trip to the international convention, which
	will be held in Orlando this year.
	A bright and continuing future is planned for the Youth
	Awareness Program by making KidsTalk presentations to small
	groups of youngsters. Soon this will inspire children in their
	communities to join in making healthy choices and avoid adverse
	elements. In fact, the voices of those sophomores, juniors, and
	seniors who attended the Association International Student
	Congress during the last 7 years have reached an audience of
	over 200,000 4- to 9-year-olds.
	The men and women of the Loyal Order of Moose are dedicated
	to caring for youth of our country and in that regard, we will
	sponsor a youth forum at the Second World Congress on Family
	Law and Rights of Children and Youth scheduled in San Francisco
	in June of this year. The Congress is reporting on the grave
	plight of children locally, nationally, and internationally.
	The Loyal Order of Moose is proud to be a sponsor of this
	effort.
	First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, true to form, in her
	never-ending quest to provide for the well-being of children,
	is honorary chair of the event. We are pleased to be the only
	fraternal group participating in the Congress.
	The future of our country rests with the little ones of
	today. Without a doubt, members of the Loyal Order of Moose and
	co-workers of the Women of the Moose will continue to provide
	assistance in the goal of helping to make communities a better
	place for our youth to grow.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Sarnecki follows:]
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	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Mr. Sarnecki. Mr. Marshall.
	Mr. Marshall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do appreciate the
	privilege to testify before this committee.
	I am the 77th president of the U.S. Junior Chamber of
	Commerce, also known as the Jaycees. We are the largest young
	person's leadership training organization in America. Our
	members are men and women, ages 21 to 39, who believe in our
	creed that states: ``Service to humanity is the best work of
	life.'' We are the boomers and X'ers that do not fit the media
	stereotypes of the ``me generation'' or of the
	``disenfranchised slacker'' mold.
	Jaycees are people who give generously of their scarce free
	time to help improve their communities and the lives of the
	people within them. Because of the 29- to 39-year-old age
	requirements, our members are in their peak child-rearing
	years.
	The Jaycees are keenly aware and anxious about statistical
	data that shows drug use among children and teenagers is
	rising. The Jaycees are positive solution seekers who believe
	it is far better to organize than to agonize. Over the years,
	we have addressed the problem of youth alcohol and substance
	abuse.
	Just a partial history of anti-drug and alcohol abuse youth
	programs include: 1972 to 1977, Operation Threshold, a program
	dedicated to reducing alcohol abuse and promoting alcoholism
	treatment, reached 23 million Americans. The program made use
	of a Federal grant and was highly successful in raising
	awareness about a problem that was not as openly addressed at
	that time.
	In 1977, the Boston Conference on Teenage Alcoholism and
	the Roxbury-Dorchester Jaycees of Massachusetts cosponsored the
	Nation's first conference on teenage alcoholism. The meeting
	was held in Boston. They provided 200 youths a full day of
	workshops, films, and group discussions on the dangers of
	alcohol use.
	In 1984, combatting drug and alcohol abuse was adopted as a
	3-year priority. The U.S. Jaycees encouraged the chapters to
	run projects to curb drug and alcohol abuse. Chapters were
	encouraged to address this issue on a local basis. Hundreds and
	hundreds of chapters took up the fight.
	In 1986, the ``Just Say No'' program, the program started
	by President Reagan and First Lady Nancy, was endorsed by our
	national, State, and chapter organizations. Local chapters,
	like the Princeton Jaycees, purchased and donated materials for
	the local area schools. This effort went on around the Nation.
	In 1990, ``Three Ways To Keep Your Kids off Drugs.'' This
	video offers parents a three-step, common-sense approach to
	effective parenting. Chapters purchased the tape and provided
	them to video stores, schools, and churches. The tape was used
	by thousands of parents, law enforcement officers, teachers,
	and at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
	In 1991, Jaycee chapters around the country embraced
	Project D.A.R.E. Support for the program varies from community
	to community. Chapters provide manpower, money, and organize
	local events.
	On a local chapter level, in 1986, the Sikeston, MO,
	Jaycees purchased, painted, and donated the local D.A.R.E.
	officers' vehicle. The same year, they purchased communications
	equipment for the local Sikeston Police Department. The
	equipment is used to raid the homes and businesses of suspected
	drug dealers without the risk of detection.
	In 1997, the Virginia Beach, VA community held Crime
	Awareness Day. The Jaycees are working with the State's
	attorney general and other community service organizations to
	put on a day-long event that is aimed at discouraging drug use
	and teen violence.
	In 1997, there was the ``Want to Get Wasted or Want to Get
	Home'' program. This program was developed by the Texas
	Department of Public Safety and is being conducted by the
	Paris, TX, Jaycees. The program is aimed at reducing the
	incidence of drinking and driving among high school juniors and
	seniors. The Paris chapter was alarmed at statistics that
	showed that 183 Texans between the ages of 15 and 20 were
	killed in alcohol-related motor-vehicle deaths. July of that
	year was the worst, with a total of 74 young people killed on
	the roadways of Texas.
	The program includes an 8-minute video of young people
	talking about how alcohol has messed up their lives. It
	includes pages of information entitled personal, social, legal,
	and financial consequences of drinking and driving. The chapter
	supplemented these packets with presentations and by purchasing
	nearly 4,000 shirts to be given away to the students. The
	materials are provided by the Texas Department of Public
	Safety, and the Jaycees raised money and secured a $10,000
	grant from Allstate Insurance to pay for the shirts.
	In 1977, local chapter projects included hosting alcohol-
	free, post-prom activities; drug-free teen dances; paying for
	speakers and programs to promote a drug-free message in
	schools; buying and providing anti-drug, promotional material
	for schools. We also support numerous activities that provide
	alternative sources of fun, self-esteem, and positive peer and
	mentor relationships, such as youth soccer, basketball,
	baseball, and football. We support local youth teen centers and
	the Boys' and Girls' Clubs.
	It has been said that all politics are local. The Jaycees
	believe that all problems are local and that, too, all
	solutions are local. As an organization that has 132,000
	members spread throughout every State in the Nation, we are
	uniquely positioned to provide local solutions to the national
	problem of youth and alcohol substance abuse.
	Throughout our 77-year history, we have tackled major
	issues on a community-by-community basis. During our 77-year
	history, we built airports across America to facilitate the
	growth of airmail service. We purchased street lights for our
	cities and towns to improve vehicle safety. When Jerry Lewis
	began his telethon against muscular dystrophy, we raised $20
	million by running local, community-based projects.
	Currently, we are holding town hall meetings on the issue
	of Social Security reform. We are building health care
	facilities across the country for children with HIV and AIDS,
	and for 3 years we have been encouraging retailers to obey the
	law and deny minors access to tobacco products. We are not
	afraid to tackle current issues and problems.
	The Jaycee officers and members get discouraged when the
	Federal Government spends money to develop a national manpower
	network and all the services necessary to support that type of
	national network, when you have existing national organizations
	that for a fraction of the money could deliver the programs and
	services that are deemed necessary. For decades, organizations
	like the Optimists, the Kiwanis, the Rotary, the Lions, the
	Jaycees, and others were the backbone of volunteerism in this
	country.
	During the last 15 years, these organizations have been in
	the process of redesigning their structures to accommodate the
	changing life styles of today's volunteers. The Federal
	Government benefited when these organizations were at their
	peak of activity. They provided programs and services at little
	or no cost to the taxpayer. During this period of civic
	organizational rebirth, I would encourage the Federal
	Government to look for opportunities to work with these
	organizations.
	On behalf of the 132,000 Jaycee members and the 4 million
	members that have passed through our organization, I would like
	to thank this committee and the chairman for the invitation to
	speak on this topic. Bill Clinton said in his inaugural
	address, ``When Americans work together in their homes, their
	churches, their civic groups, and their work places, they can
	meet any challenge.''
	As a representative of the Jaycees and other service clubs,
	please call upon us for assistance. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Marshall follows:]
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	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Mr. Marshall. We have wonderful
	testimony on behalf of the Jaycees.
	I am going to open up just to questioning, and I would like
	each person to respond as quickly as possible. In your mind,
	what is the most effective tool that you have put out there for
	young people to prevent drug use? I shall start with you, Mr.
	Creighton. Very quickly, of all the things that you have done,
	what stands out the most, in your opinion?
	Mr. Creighton. I think it is incorporating a message on
	drugs with the value-building and character-building aspects of
	scouting. It is not a stand-alone; it is part of the fabric of
	trying to develop the Nation's youth, and I think that is the
	best way that we can impact the youth, including it,
	emphasizing it in our scouting program and to values.
	Mr. Hastert. Ms. Dissinger.
	Ms. Dissinger. I think the most important part that we do
	is public awareness and getting our local-level people to work
	with other Government agencies and other agencies in developing
	programs that work at the local level and then educate youth on
	what is involved in becoming involved with a drug problem.
	Mr. Hastert. Mr. Sarnecki.
	Mr. Sarnecki. I believe that a constant awareness program
	has to be put forth to keep the problems of drug abuse in front
	of our young people today. I believe we have to start that
	awareness program with children from perhaps kindergarten,
	because that is the time we have to sort of bring it to their
	attention so that when they meet with peers in later years,
	they will have an awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.
	Another important issue, I believe, is young people dealing
	with young people rather than people our age trying to tell the
	young people what they should do or should not do. In our
	arrangement, we have the youth who work with the young people,
	and the young people look up to them as role models.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you. Mr. Marshall.
	Mr. Marshall. I believe that we have been most successful
	with programs that develop positive self-esteem among the kids,
	the younger kids. When we reach them at that age, it tends to
	set their formation for life, with positive messages that it is
	okay not to do drugs; it is a positive thing. The other thing
	that I think has been very effective for us, given our age
	group of 21 to 39, has been effective parenting, making sure
	that parents understand that they can promote positive self-
	esteem in their kids and that they need to do that constantly
	to make sure that they do not fall prey to peer pressure, which
	is negative.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you. This next question might be a
	little bit of a touchy question, but I would like to get your
	perspective on it. What your organizations are doing and what
	is the sense on most of your growth. One of the places that we
	have seen almost random drug use, degeneration of our youth, is
	in the inner cities. A lot of people say that well, there is
	not a lot of hope and education there. There is not a lot of
	future for a kid to go out and get a job and share the values
	that the rest of the country have.
	First of all, are your organizations, are you growing in
	the inner cities, and what kind of programs, if any, do you
	have in inner cities?
	Mr. Creighton. Well, we have had a special emphasis on the
	last 5 years of trying to increase the minority membership in
	the Boy Scouts, not only in inner cities, but in some of the
	farming communities and the Hispanic community. We have had as
	our backbone volunteers in delivering the scouting program to
	the youth, but to develop a stronger penetration of the inner
	cities, we have actually gone to a program of part-time, hired
	scoutmasters to make sure that we have stability in the adult
	leadership in those inner communities.
	We have, as I mentioned, our membership growth last year
	was the greatest in 26 years. We are seeing increased minority
	membership in the scouting youth across the country.
	Mr. Hastert. Ms. Dissinger.
	Ms. Dissinger. We are constantly trying to increase our
	membership and diversity and take our public awareness programs
	to communities that are not being reached. That is our effort.
	Mr. Hastert. Mr. Sarnecki.
	Mr. Sarnecki. We try to keep the young people in the urban
	areas occupied through various units, such as scouting and teen
	clubs, where we provide activities for them, especially the
	latch-key children who come home from school and have nothing
	to do, and that is an opportunity for them to get into trouble.
	It is just all-around activities that we try and give the
	youngsters in urban areas, as well as suburbia, involved with.
	Mr. Hastert. Have you had success in that area in the urban
	areas?
	Mr. Sarnecki. Yes, we have. We have been developing a new
	concept of family centers rather than just lodges, and through
	the family centers that we have established up to this point
	there are activities outdoors, as well as indoors, especially
	in the urban areas, where there is not an overabundance of
	vacant land for activities. But keeping the youngsters' minds
	active; that is the approach we are taking.
	Mr. Hastert. Mr. Marshall.
	Mr. Marshall. I am very happy to report that our membership
	numbers are growing in the large metropolitan areas. We have
	not had a national focus on this, but, there again, providing
	alternative, positive activities for youth, last year alone, in
	the fiscal year, we have rebuilt in the inner cities of America
	114 baseball diamonds for the youth, places that had become
	unable to be used by the youth in those inner-city areas. So we
	went in and rebuilt those facilities and got commitments by the
	parks and recs. department to keep them up and to provide
	programs so that these kids would have a clean and safe place
	to play.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you very much. Mr. Barrett.
	Mr. Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, I thank you
	for holding this hearing. I saw Mr. Creighton sitting there,
	and I have had Boy Scouts for the last 6 days in a row, it
	seems. I spoke at an Eagle Scout Award Dinner last Thursday and
	Sunday spoke at a 75th anniversary of the largest chapter in my
	district, so it is nice to see you here as well.
	Mr. Marshall, my ties with the Jaycees are my brother-in-
	law and sister-in-law, who passed through the Jaycees. So,
	obviously, in our family Jaycees are viewed favorably.
	I do not have much connection with the Women's Clubs. I
	think you can understand why. I have had the pleasure to speak
	with these organizations in my area as well.
	I was pleased to hear the chairman's comments. I represent
	a district which is one of the most economically and racially
	diverse districts in the country, and I represent both the
	poorest zip code in the State of Wisconsin and the richest zip
	code in the State of Wisconsin.
	There is real inner peace that comes when you represent a
	district like that, because you know no matter what you do, you
	can irritate someone. In many ways, there is a tale of two
	cities that is reflected, at least in the State that I
	represent.
	When the chairman raised the issue of minority outreach or
	minority participation, that was touching that nerve with me
	again. I consider every one of your organizations a superb
	organization, just tremendous civic organizations, and I want
	to echo my concern that we do what we can to bring in all
	aspects of our society. I think that this is a real challenge.
	I think that people naturally gravitate to people more like
	them. That is not good; that is not bad. I just think that is
	the reality. I have three little kids, and my 4-year-old son
	has red hair, and my wife and I love the red hair, but he hates
	it because everybody gives him the noogies and say, ``You have
	got such red hair.'' The only time that he liked it was when he
	met another little kid with red hair. He said that was
	something that pleased him.
	So I guess my request to you as much as anything--I really
	do not have any specific questions--is to do what you can to
	try to include all aspects of our society. That is so
	important, and I think one of the dangers we fall into as
	politicians is that we want to represent the people that
	elected us. We want to take the resources to the people who
	elected us, but I think that especially with our youth, the
	youth that fall through the cracks and do not get involved or
	that come from families that do not get involved, I think many
	times are the ones that need our help the most. They are the
	ones that oftentimes do not get help.
	So, I am not even asking you to comment. If you want to
	comment, that is fine; but, again, I want to applaud you for
	the fine work you do, which is to try to ask you to do even
	more. That is a problem for people who do a lot. That means you
	are asking them to do a lot more. Thank you.
	Mr. Hastert. OK. Anybody wish to comment?
	Mr. Marshall. I just would like to say that on behalf of
	the Jaycees, we do appreciate this forum. Just the opportunity
	to testify here is extremely exciting for our membership, and
	it gives them increased credibility as they go into the
	communities to do this type of work. We do look forward to any
	proactive partnership that we can develop from this event.
	Mr. Creighton. Well, I would like to just comment, Rep.
	Barrett, on your request. I think it is very critical that the
	Boy Scouts do a better job in the minority community. It comes
	to mind because I have just spent some time recently with them,
	but to look at our new Governor in the State of Washington,
	Gary Locke, the first Asian-American Governor on the mainland,
	an Eagle Scout. To look at Togo West, the first, I believe,
	African-American Secretary of the Army, again, an Eagle Scout.
	We have created leaders. We have developed character in
	minorities in the past. Our challenge is to do a much better
	job of penetrating those communities today and in the future.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you very much. Mr. Shadegg.
	Mr. Shadegg. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to join the
	comments of both the chairman and my colleague on the other
	side of the aisle in complimenting all of you for what you do.
	For those of us who think that Government has not done a great
	job in its efforts, your volunteer efforts, I think, are doing
	an important job in the fight against drugs and in the fight to
	just rebuild our communities or strengthen our communities, and
	I compliment each and every one of you for your efforts and for
	all that you do.
	I do have a couple of questions, but before I get to those,
	I want to say, Mr. Creighton, I was a Scout, a Cub Scout, a Boy
	Scout, and I formed my own Explorer Post; and last night my son
	crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. I had a ceremony in
	Phoenix that I had to miss because I was on a plane here.
	I also, on a personal note, want to say that I think
	Weyerhauser was instrumental in the formation of the University
	of Puget Sound Law School, and I was in the first class at
	University of Puget Sound Law School. So in that regard, I want
	to say thank you.
	I have some general questions. I just watched a program in
	Tucson. I was called by a fraternity brother from Tucson--my
	district is Phoenix--who said, come to Tucson; I want to show
	you an anti-drug program being presented at a Tucson high
	school, and would you give me a couple of hours of your time to
	drive down to Tucson and watch it? I did.
	It was a program presented to, I guess, all of the juniors
	and seniors in the high school. There were, I believe, five
	actors, all of whom had been alcoholics or drug addicts at some
	point in their lives, and the program was originally started,
	by the way, in Seattle. But they each went through a kind of a
	dramatic presentation, individually and as groups, about how
	drugs had impacted them.
	There were discussions of a drug deal that had gone bad,
	and the two of them would talk about that drug deal and their
	involvement in it. Another one would be an example of an
	argument that had occurred between one of them and one of their
	parents. Another member of the cast would play this out.
	Following their presentation, the students in the high
	school were able to ask them some questions. I found a couple
	of things fascinating, and I guess I am interested in your
	reaction.
	No. 1, the first question that the students from the school
	asked was, were those hypotheticals that you presented, or were
	they real experiences that you each had in your lives? The
	members of the cast answered that every, single little skit--
	and they went through maybe half an hour or more of these--had
	been something that had really occurred in their lives.
	One of them had been in a drug deal that had almost gone
	bad before he had cleaned his life up, and the students were
	extremely impressed by that.
	The second thing that I found fascinating went at the
	issue, to a certain degree, of hypocrisy: adults' use of
	alcohol and kids' use of drugs. Each of the kids made the point
	that a drug is a drug is a drug. Each of these kids, I think
	three of the five were alcoholics, and the adults running the
	program were alcoholics.
	My question to you is, to what degree do your programs
	stress alcohol as a drug and the danger of kids getting
	involved in alcohol, and to what degree have you heard from
	professionals that it is good to treat them together, abuse of
	alcohol as well as abuse of drugs? Mr. Creighton.
	Mr. Creighton. Well, in the ``Drugs: A Deadly Game,'' I
	referred to, we treat alcohol as a drug, just as we do
	marijuana, cocaine, or other addictive substances.
	Mr. Shadegg. Have you watched the reaction amongst kids?
	Does that seem to play well, or do you have a sense for that?
	Mr. Creighton. I think they understand it. I think there is
	some conflict in their minds because they see alcohol being
	used in people's daily lives, and it is a little difficult for
	them to equate if it is a drug and it is bad, then why do I see
	my parents, why do I see people in restaurants, and why do I
	see people using it? But I do think that they understand that
	it can have significant negative effects on your life.
	Mr. Shadegg. The statistic they used in this presentation
	was that one out of every five people who come in contact with
	alcohol will turn out to be an alcoholic and that this is a
	sickness that may manifest itself in your life, and from there
	it is into drugs, or from drugs it is into alcohol.
	Ms. Dissinger.
	Ms. Dissinger. We have two resolutions. One is titled
	``Substance Abuse,'' and the other one is titled ``Substance
	Abuse Rehabilitation.'' So, therefore, we do not just talk
	about drugs, but we include alcohol, the whole gamut, in our
	programs that we are presenting and urging that they have
	programs for alcohol as well as the other drugs.
	Mr. Shadegg. Mr. Sarnecki.
	Mr. Sarnecki. I believe the issue is interrelated. From the
	youngsters that we have been dealing with in various youth
	awareness programs, they do stress the fact that it is
	basically a step upwards as far as substance abuse is
	concerned. You start off with drinking beer, and then later on
	it will lead to marijuana and then to cocaine or something
	stronger and faster than that. So, in our programs, we just
	generalize and, in fact, talk about the substance abuse in
	general.
	I just want to comment that as far as the presentation that
	you referred to, there are younger people involved and such,
	and I recently conducted focus group meetings among our
	members, and a member came up with a real good idea, and I
	said, ``Why didn't you ever bring that to our attention
	before?'' He said, ``No one ever asked us.''
	So I think the same thing refers to our youth of today. It
	is OK for us to guide the programs, to get them involved, but I
	think we desperately need the input of the kids who are
	involved with the various situations today so they can
	enlighten us and give us a better idea of how we should handle
	this situation.
	Mr. Shadegg. Now, all members of this cast--as I said, I
	think there were five young people in the cast--the oldest one
	was like 23 or 24. The youngest, I believe, was a young lady,
	18, and they were all recovering alcoholics or drug addicts who
	acknowledged and who had beaten their problem, but were talking
	about its impact on their lives.
	Mr. Marshall.
	Mr. Marshall. We treat all illegal substances as illegal
	substances. If it is alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, it is illegal,
	and there is Federal law that it is illegal for minors to have
	access to tobacco under the age of 18. So we make no
	distinction in that.
	Using the same thing you are talking about, with our ``Want
	To Get Wasted or Want To Get Home'' program, we use a
	videotape. In that videotape, you have, showing it to juniors
	and seniors, you have a young man on there who is high school
	age who is in a drug rehab center talking about his experience.
	We have a young man standing in front of a demolished car
	talking about how it felt to lose his father to a teenaged
	drunk driver. The last segment of that video is a young woman,
	a high-school-aged girl. She is in a wheelchair for life and
	talks about, you know, in a split second her life is changed
	forever.
	You can genuinely see that this has an impact on these
	juniors and seniors, hearing these real-life experiences and
	hearing, not from us, but from their peers, about this.
	Mr. Shadegg. My time has expired, Mr. Chairman. I would
	just urge you to continue to involve young people in making
	presentations to other young people.
	Mr. Hastert. I thank the gentleman from Arizona.
	Mr. Cummings from Maryland.
	Mr. Cummings. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr.
	Chairman, I want to thank you for holding this hearing. I want
	to thank all of you all for being here today.
	So often what happens in our society, people stand on the
	sidelines of life, complaining about what ought to be and
	complain about everything that is wrong but never lift a finger
	to make a difference. I take this moment to thank you.
	Mr. Creighton, you might want to add me to your list of
	folk who Boy Scouts' helped. Neither my mother nor father got
	through the first grade. I came up in the inner city of
	Baltimore. I was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout, and I was in
	special education, and now I am a U.S. Congressman. I have to
	give a lot of credit with regard to that progress--and a Phi
	Beta Kappa and a lawyer.
	But Boy Scouts did something for me, and I hope that you
	will take this message back to wherever, you know, all across
	the country when you speak. It gave me a feeling of being
	included, to be a part of something. That is so significant,
	and I say to the others of you.
	You know, a lot of people think that drugs--I mean, I live
	in the inner city of Baltimore still, and a lot of people, I
	think, assume that kids just sort of rush out there to do
	drugs. Let me tell you of one of the biggest problems. One of
	you all said it a few minutes ago: Kids need things to do. They
	need things to do. They need to be a part of something.
	So often, what happens in the inner city is that mother is
	not there or the mother is working a job, maybe two jobs. Dad
	may not be there. So the fact is that a kid is growing up not
	being included, and that is, of course, what a family does. A
	family gives a child a sense of inclusion.
	The Boy Scouts did a lot for me. It brought me into a
	family. I was fortunate enough to have a mother and a father
	that were there for me, but they were working very, very long
	hours. But it gave me an opportunity to be included in
	something.
	Then there came a time that--the interesting thing is that
	my Boy Scout leader became, later on, a State Senator, and I
	joined him many years later as a part of the Maryland General
	Assembly. That, to me, just says a lot. I tell people so often
	that I consider myself the throw-away kid, the one that they
	thought would never grow up to be anyone, the one that they
	thought would never get anywhere.
	Everything that you do--and I say this to all of you; I do
	not have any questions; I just have these comments--every note
	that you write, every phone call that you make, every meeting
	that you go to, even when you are tired, you are making a
	difference in people's lives, and what you are doing is you are
	touching the future. You are touching the future.
	When we are long gone, the kids that you all touch will
	probably turn around and touch other young people, and so I am
	just so glad that you all are doing what you do, and I know
	that it is people like you who made a difference in my life.
	I have made it my business to try to take the same kind of
	effort that you put into your jobs and your efforts to put into
	other young people's lives so that they can grow up maybe one
	day and sit in this chair and say that maybe one day I was a
	throw-away kid, but because of various organizations like the
	organizations that you all are part of, I am now sitting in the
	U.S. Congress, the greatest government in the world. I just
	wanted to thank you.
	Mr. Hastert. Well, I am not sure what all of you can say to
	that, but please, does anybody have any comments?
	Mr. Creighton. We are going to do more.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you.
	Ms. Dissinger. I would just like to say, as a volunteer
	service organization, we are so appreciative of having this
	opportunity, because we work at the grassroots level and we
	coalesce, and it is so important that we have partnerships
	between volunteers, business, and Government agencies.
	Mr. Hastert. You know, if I may, just for a second, I
	listened to this testimony in other meetings that we have had,
	and it really comes down--I was in education for 16 years. I
	had an Explorer post. I have done a lot of things. I probably
	could have done some things better, but it is really the
	inherent value of the human being. If we find ways to bring
	those kids into that reality that they are worth something,
	there is something that they can do to join in making the world
	better, whatever it might be, or they have a value, I think
	that is what our goal is.
	We constantly cannot afford to lose that view or that idea
	that we need to hold out there. It has to be out there all the
	time.
	I am going to ask Mr. Souder, who is our vice-chairman, if
	he has any questions.
	Mr. Souder. One thing that I wondered is sometimes when we
	look at the--there is a tendency to say, and I think one of you
	mentioned in your testimony--I had to step out for part of the
	testimony, but that it would be good to have one target drug
	program. That is kind of always the way the Government looks at
	it and says we need to have a unified effort as opposed to a
	coordinated effort of a lot of different groups.
	I can see the advantage of a coordinated effort on a school
	and in the kids, because they see a common theme coming that
	seems to be organized and not overlap different things. But it
	strikes me that one of the things, for example, in Ms.
	Dissinger's testimony, you mentioned different types of things
	that the kids were doing in different places, which suggests,
	from what I have seen, too, in a lot of the schools and
	different organizations that impact with the schools, that part
	of the benefit here is letting the kids have some ownership of
	the programs.
	It is not necessarily just that the kids that are reached
	by the programs indirectly. In other words, if they pass out
	pencils or pass out t-shirts with the program, it is not just
	the kids who you are reaching through the programs, but you are
	actively, by providing activities and getting a number of the
	kids involved in the organization, getting kids themselves with
	the sense of ownership in the anti-drug war and that if we do
	not have--just having been a kid not that many years ago,
	although it seems like a long time, that everybody wants to
	have a title in an organization or feel like the organization
	is theirs. If we had one centralized thing, as opposed to a
	proliferation of a lot of different groups, we would not have
	as many people with a vested stake in it, in their own
	variation of making their own decisions.
	I wonder what your reaction to that is in the voluntary
	field. For example, Boy Scouts have their own program, and each
	of you have different groups with their own programs. The same
	thing is true at the adult level. If you have the Moose
	involved in one program and you have the Jaycees involved in
	another program and you have the Lions Club involved in another
	program, each group has some stake in it; whereas, if there was
	one program that somehow a committee came up with, the local
	club, would they not have as much stake in that?
	Mr. Marshall. The thing that I noticed in the testimony and
	in talking to my fellow service club leaders is the way they
	embraced, say, the ``Just Say No'' program. I think everybody
	who testified in this particular setting said that President
	Reagan had asked, you know, had called each community service
	club in and said, ``Will you get involved in this?'' and they
	did. They all adapted it to various different situations, but
	they all were under the umbrella of this one particular
	endeavor.
	It had a theme, it had a commonality of purpose, but then
	again, it left enough leeway that you could do different things
	to fit different communities and take it to different levels.
	It has been my experience with volunteers that most
	recently, in the nineties, that they have very little spare
	time. The ability to go out and create a program is not as
	great as it was 10, 15 years ago, has been my experience. They
	like a little more structure. They will go out and implement
	things and make them happen, but they would like a little more
	guidance than they used to.
	So I believe a commonality of purpose, but allow some
	flexibility for the ownership, the buy-in, the creativity, but
	I think we do need a sense of direction and an overall theme to
	the campaign.
	Mr. Hastert. Thank you very much. Thank you for
	participating and your excellent testimony.
	It is now my distinct pleasure to welcome the second panel
	of civic group representatives. Gordon Thorson of the Veterans
	of Foreign Wars; Howard Patterson of the Lions Clubs
	International; William Pease of the American Legion; Dick
	Herndobler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks;
	Don Baugher and Larry Chisholm of the Masonic National
	Foundation for Children; and Dennis Windscheffel, a drug
	prevention program consultant, who has done a great deal to
	coordinate the efforts of these groups.
	If you would all stand and raise your right hands. Our
	committee rules require me to swear you in.
	[Witnesses sworn.]
	Mr. Hastert. Let the record show that the witnesses
	responded in the affirmative. Thank you, and let us find a seat
	here, and please proceed, Mr. Herndobler.

	STATEMENTS OF DICK HERNDOBLER, BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER
	OF ELKS; GORDON THORSON, NATIONAL YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR,
	VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS; HOWARD PATTERSON, FIRST VICE-
	PRESIDENT, LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL; WILLIAM PEASE, ASSISTANT
	DIRECTOR FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS PROGRAM, AMERICAN LEGION CHILD
	WELFARE FOUNDATION; DON BAUGHER, PRESIDENT, ACCOMPANIED BY
	LARRY CHISHOLM, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MASONIC NATIONAL
	FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN; AND DENNIS WINDSCHEFFEL, DRUG
	PREVENTION PROGRAM CONSULTANT

	Mr. Herndobler. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Dick
	Herndobler, and I serve as the founding director and senior
	adviser of the Elks Drug Awareness Program. I started the
	planning process for our program in late 1982, and with an
	additional grant from our order in 1983, the program was
	introduced. The program is administered by an executive
	director, 50 State chairmen, and nearly 2,200 chairmen who have
	volunteered to direct drug awareness programs in their local
	communities.
	I am also responsible for working with the Government
	agencies and national organizations involved in this struggle
	to provide a drug-free environment for our children and
	grandchildren so they can become productive, responsible, and
	caring citizens.
	We are a supportive organization, and we have two goals.
	One is to donate the latest and most factual information on
	alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to parents and teachers of
	children in the elementary grades, as they have the greatest
	influence and can talk to their children and warn them of the
	dangers of using these substances.
	Our second goal is to provide wholesome and constructive
	activities after school and on weekends as alternative
	activities to drugs, gangs, and violence.
	In support of our first goal, the printing of our 12
	current drug awareness pamphlets and special pieces has reached
	15 million copies this last year, making a total donation of
	over 120 million pieces since our program began. The materials
	are constantly being reviewed, updated, and changed to keep
	them current. Our chairmen, when requested by school districts,
	purchase videos, provide equipment and provide nationally known
	speakers and musical groups that have a no-use message.
	We have cooperated with Government agencies and national
	organizations, such as working with the Center for Substance
	Abuse Prevention (CSAP). We have printed and donated over 10
	million copies of their ``Tips for Teens'' series and
	distributed them through our own network, as well as the Elks
	Radar Specialty Center in Alabama, in cooperation with the
	National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information
	(NCADI). When the Clearinghouse is out of material, then they
	can use our material.
	We have printed, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of
	Investigation (FBI), their ``Archie'' comic book, which
	emphasizes positive peer counseling. With encouragement from
	the director of the Drug Enforcement Administration, we have
	printed their booklet entitled ``Speaking Out Against Drug
	Legalization,'' as well as their pamphlet on a drug called
	``Cat.''
	For 15 years, we have supported and co-sponsored the PRIDE
	International Drug Conference, and our local and State chairmen
	have raised funds to assist an average of 1,000 young people to
	attend this conference every year.
	The Greenville Family in Action Resource Center in South
	Carolina allowed us to help them by printing and distributing
	their parenting brochure. We work also with the National Family
	Partnership by providing the funds to print and distribute
	their newsletter, as well as distribute their Red Ribbons
	during that campaign.
	In support of our second goal, another department of our
	organization provides after-school and weekend activities for
	young people. The basketball ``Hoop Shoot'' program involves
	over 1\1/2\ million boys and girls, and we are one of the
	largest sponsors of scouting and the Eagle Scout programs.
	With the Campfire Girls, Boys' State and Girls' State YWCA
	and YMCA programs and others, we have touched the lives this
	last year of 2,900,000 youngsters.
	We volunteer as coaches and sponsors of youth athletic
	teams, such as the Little League, football, bowling, youth
	Olympics, Special Olympics, summer camps, hunting clubs, and
	teen centers involving more than 870,000 young people.
	Elks have a very strong national commitment to work to
	support Government agencies and national parent groups to
	provide a drug-free environment for the Nation's children. In
	many communities, the Elks Lodge serves as a meeting place for
	youth groups and adult groups that share concerns about the
	increase in use of drugs. We involve young people in many of
	our other ongoing programs.
	I wish I had the time to describe all nine of them, but I
	am sticking to the Drug Awareness Program particularly. A quick
	review of the 1996 Annual Report of the Elks National Drug
	Awareness Program reveals that programs were established in
	2,174 communities that reached 4,900,000 young people, as well
	as more than 1,780,000 adults. There were 36,344 of our own
	members actively involved, donating over 390,000 volunteer
	hours.
	We trained 25,000 individuals this last year to work in the
	prevention field in their own community, and we financed 3,432
	different drug awareness programs.
	Mr. Chairman, I know that the recitation of facts and
	figures is not always pleasant to listen to, but I brought them
	forth primarily to emphasize the fact that there is a vast
	reservoir, a vast, untapped reservoir of men, women, and young
	people out there in the grassroots areas who are able and
	willing to devote the time, the energy, and the dedication to
	this struggle to solve the drug problem.
	They want to be part of the solution to that problem. I
	encourage you to turn to us and let us help you in any way that
	we can.
	Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to
	appear before this committee.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Herndobler follows:]
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	Mr. Hastert. Thank you very much for your testimony.
	Obviously, one of the things we want to do is to take that
	strength that we have all across this country and be willing to
	go out and make the difference one on one. I appreciate your
	efforts and your suggestions.
	Mr. Thorson, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
	Mr. Thorson. Mr. Chairman, members of the subcommittee, it
	is my pleasure to be here today representing the Veterans of
	Foreign Wars and our 2 million members.
	Before we get started here, I would like to set the record
	straight to ensure that all of you realize that I, too, was a
	Boy Scout. I am very proud of that, and really, you know, it is
	kind of, after listening to all of the speakers and hearing
	about their scouting background, it reminded me of the
	importance of scouting. It also reminded me of the fact that
	the Veterans of Foreign Wars throughout the country sponsors
	1,232 scouting units nationwide.
	To answer your question before it is asked, Mr. Chairman,
	you asked the other panel about what program that we involve
	ourselves with that we feel is doing the most in the drug
	effort. You know, our involvement with boy scouting, through
	the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is a wonderful opportunity for
	all of us in the Veterans of Foreign Wars to give something
	back to our youth and give something back of significance.
	So I guess I want to jump on the bandwagon for the Boy
	Scout program and make it very clear to this panel that
	scouting has made a significant impact. Most young men in
	scouting, and in girl scouting, too, young women, that are
	involved in those kinds of programs do not have the kinds of
	problems that we are here facing today.
	Today, Members of Congress have the opportunity to consider
	the contributions of volunteer-based organizations in helping
	our young people stay drug free. As we formulate a national
	response to America's growing drug use among our very young,
	our Nation's future, after we consider the number of lives
	already lost and wasted, the billions of dollars already spent
	to combat drug trafficking and to rehabilitate the abusers, and
	the millions of productive hours wasted in fighting the drug
	war, it is clearly time that we all cooperate and become more
	involved and organize to save America's youth, our very future.
	We must act quickly and sure to take back control of our
	country.
	You know, the Veterans of Foreign Wars was formed way back
	in 1899, and chartered by the U.S. Congress back in 1936. The
	purpose of our organization, or I should say, our corporation,
	is fraternal, patriotic, historical, and educational.
	Our all-volunteer organization is made up of approximately
	10,500 VFW posts located throughout our Nation. Our diverse
	membership is made up of men and women who have served their
	country during time of war, time of combat in military service,
	individuals who want to continue their service to the country
	as they work to improve their communities and make America a
	better place.
	Through the past several years, many VFW posts have
	involved their members in most every kind of youth program
	designed to create an awareness and/or eliminate substance
	abuse.
	In preparing for this particular testimony, I was looking
	through our records and looking back at the history of drug
	awareness in our organization. In fact, I would like to note
	that in our next issue of the ``Veterans of Foreign Wars''
	magazine, which, again, has a distribution of over 2 million
	copies, we have an article coming up concerning drug awareness.
	In fact, I was looking at that particular article, and I
	thought that maybe I should share some of it with you.
	I'd like to read to you a resolution that was passed by the
	VFW. ``Resolved, that the President of the United States be
	respectfully requested to set aside a week to be known as
	`National Anti-dope Week' and that he not only set in renewed
	motion every possible Government agency whose function it is to
	stamp out this evil, but that he cause to be gathered together
	an international conference of competent men and women who will
	formulate plans and methods of procedure looking toward the
	eradication of the narcotic-drug evil.''
	Well, that particular resolution was passed and sent to
	President Warren G. Harding back in 1923. I find it curious
	because after reading this resolution written back in 1923, and
	realizing that this drug problem has been with us since way
	back then, I know that the author of an article that caused us
	to write that resolution had indicated in the end, the author
	indicated that they realized that only a concerted effort at
	home by concerned citizens could cure this ill.
	Now, that is what they were saying back in 1923. It seems
	to me that is what we are saying today. So I guess we have come
	full circle, but it points out that the VFW and our Nation, we
	have been concerned about this drug menace for 75 years, and
	maybe we ought to get on with it.
	Through the past several years, again, we have involved
	ourselves in many kinds of programs. We have worked with other
	organizations and volunteered countless dollars and hours to
	make a difference in the war against drugs. In fact, during a
	recent 1-year period, 1995 to 1996 program year, over 14
	million volunteer hours were spent in community service
	projects.
	The VFW has worked with police officers. We have worked
	with local social service agencies. We have worked with schools
	to sponsor needed programs that provide consistent anti-drug
	messages. VFW posts have worked with self-help with self-help
	groups and made open their post facilities to groups such as
	Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. We have also
	distributed ``Just Say No'' buttons, circulated booklets,
	distributed a children's coloring book, and instituted a
	contract-for-life program. We have provided videotapes.
	Our organization and the majority of the organizations
	represented here today have provided much time, materials, and
	money to help educate young people. But just educating our
	children in the dangers of substance abuse does not appear to
	be solving the problem. It does not seem to matter how cute,
	how marketable, or how politically correct we make our program
	offerings, we end up with only ``feel-good'' programs with no
	real, lasting value.
	The VFW does not even pretend to have the answer to the
	drug problems in America today, but we do have a large number
	of dedicated Americans willing to help.
	I see that my time has run out. Could I just have a couple
	of minutes?
	Mr. Hastert. Yes, if you could kind of summarize.
	Mr. Thorson. OK. If I could summarize, we believe that our
	organization can best serve the War on Drugs by doing what we
	do best. Teaching young people about our country, the flag, and
	patriotism, while offering the opportunity to compete for
	valuable scholarship dollars is a significant and meaningful
	contribution.
	The VFW strongly believes that the future of our country
	centers on a resolve that we will concentrate on educating our
	young from crib to college and to provide parents with the
	opportunity and responsibility to be an active participant in
	their children's future.
	That concludes my statement. I will be happy to respond to
	any questions you may have.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Thorson follows:]
	Prepared Statement of Gordon R. Thorson, Director, National Voice of
	Democracy, Youth Activities & Safety Programs, Veterans of Foreign Wars
	of the United States
	Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee:
	On behalf of the more than two million members of the Veterans of
	Foreign Wars of the United States, I wish to commend and to thank you
	for holding this hearing to emphasize the outstanding efforts of
	volunteer-based organizations in helping our young people stay drug
	free. It is very important for Members of Congress to understand the
	significant contributions of community based volunteer organizations as
	we formulate a national response to America's drug problem. By holding
	this hearing, you are clearly demonstrating a commitment to redressing
	the most insidious problem facing our nation today.
	One of the most evil and perplexing issues confronting the country
	today is substance abuse by a large and increasingly significant
	segment of our population. We do not need to remind this subcommittee
	that our country, in fact the whole world, is immersed in drug and
	substance abuse. The horrible consequences of substance use and abuse
	plague our very existence. Most every time we read a newspaper, listen
	to the radio, or watch television we hear vivid testimony and must face
	the ugly consequences of drug and alcohol-related accidents, crime,
	violence, suicides and mayhem. It has become very commonplace to hear
	speakers declaring that every American must become involved in the
	effort to stop the drug insanity. Most all agree that we must somehow
	stop the rhetoric, halt the loss of young lives and return to an
	America that promotes basic human values. After we consider the number
	of lives already lost and wasted; the billions of dollars already spent
	to combat drug trafficking and to rehabilitate the abusers; and the
	millions of productive hours wasted in either fighting or being a
	victim of the drug war, it is clearly time that we all cooperate,
	become involved and organize to rid America of this blight on civilized
	society. We must act quickly and surely to take back control of our
	country.
	The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was formed in
	1899 and chartered by the United States Congress back in 1936, the
	purpose of our corporation is fraternal, patriotic, historical and
	educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among our members;
	to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our
	dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true
	allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and
	fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to
	maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to
	preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever.
	Let me give you a brief overview of our organizational structure
	and the kinds of program activities we currently provide to communities
	throughout the country. Our all-volunteer organization is made up of
	approximately 10,500 VFW Posts located within 54 VFW Departments that
	are identified by each of the 50 states, Europe, Latin America/
	Caribbean, Pacific Areas and the District of Columbia. Our diverse
	membership is made up of men and women who have served this country
	during time of war in military service, individuals who want to
	continue their service to country as they work to improve their
	communities and make America a better place.
	The purpose of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as stated in our
	Congressional Charter clearly directs our organization to offer
	programs that center on developing true patriotism, help educate our
	young people on the history of democracy, foster true allegiance and
	promote duty to country. Through the past twenty years our many VFW
	Posts have involved their members in most every kind of youth program
	designed to create an awareness and/or eliminate substance abuse. We
	have worked with other organizations and volunteered countless hours
	and dollars in an attempt to make a difference in the ``War Against
	Drugs.'' During a recent one year period (1995-96 program year) members
	contributed 14,192,651 Volunteer Hours into community service projects.
	To name just a few of our many cooperative substance abuse service
	activities:
	<bullet> VFW Posts have worked with local Police officers to
	implement grassroots anti-drug and anti-crime programs in an attempt to
	build community morale and take back the streets.
	<bullet> Working with local social service agencies our members
	have participated in ``big brother'' programs, designed to give youth
	an opportunity to experience what a normal supportive environment is
	all about.
	<bullet> VFW Posts have worked with schools to sponsor needed
	programs that provide consistent anti-drug messages. This includes
	everything from purchasing anti-drug materials for classrooms, to
	sponsoring drug awareness speakers, to spearheading the establishment
	of drug-free school zones.
	<bullet> And many VFW Posts work with self-help groups and have
	opened up their post facilities to groups such as Narcotics Anonymous
	and Alcoholics Anonymous.
	Through the years we have involved ourselves in several VFW
	initiatives to help educate young people in our local communities:
	<bullet> We distributed ``Just Say No'' buttons.
	<bullet> Circulated booklets such as What Every Teenager Should
	Know About Alcohol and About Building A Drug-Free Community.
	<bullet> Distributed a childrens coloring book called Lets Talk
	About Alcohol And Other Drugs.
	<bullet> Instituted a Contract for Life program, that provided a
	contract agreement between the teenager and his or her parent.
	<bullet> We have also provided video-tapes to schools called
	``Boozers and Users'' with the intention of educating students of all
	ages on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
	Our organization and the majority of organizations represented here
	today have provided much time, materials and money to help educate
	young people. But just educating our children on the dangers of
	substance use and abuse does not appear to be solving the problem. It
	doesn't seem to matter how cute, how marketable, or how politically
	correct we make our program offerings, we end up with only ``feel-
	good'' programs with no real lasting value.
	The VFW does not even pretend to have the answer to the drug
	problems in America today, but we do have a large number of dedicated
	American's willing to help. Men and women who served to protect and
	preserve our republic during time of war. Dedicated men and women who
	have made a life-long commitment of service to country and have
	demonstrated a willingness to give their time to support positive
	community service and youth programs.
	After reviewing the following five point strategy offered by the
	Office of National Drug Control Policy:
	1. Motivate America's youth to reject illegal drugs and substance
	abuse.
	2. Increase the safety of America's citizens by substantially
	reducing drug-related crime and violence.
	3. Reduce health, welfare, and crime costs resulting from illegal
	drug use.
	4. Shield America's air, land, and sea frontiers from the drug
	threat.
	5. Break foreign and domestic drug sources of supply.
	It becomes increasingly obvious that ``Motivating America's youth
	to reject illegal drugs and substance abuse.'' is the only segment of
	this strategy that the Veterans of Foreign Wars can reasonably address.
	If goal number one could be successfully achieved and youth could be
	motivated to reject illegal drugs and substance abuse . . . . the other
	four goals would become unnecessary as there would be no market.
	The VFW currently offers good solid programs designed to give
	students opportunity, education and is an alternative to a negative
	life style. We promote educational opportunities, a sense of community,
	pride in their country, respect for the flag and hope for the future.
	One example is the premier youth program of our organization ``the
	Voice of Democracy Program'' it has been in existence for fifty years,
	and is an excellent example of an educational scholarship opportunity
	offered by the VFW to high school students. (The Voice of Democracy
	Program is a National Audio Essay Competition designed to give 10th,
	11th, and 12th grade high school students the opportunity to voice
	their opinions on their responsibility to our country and to convey
	their thoughts about our republic and win valuable scholarships. Each
	year, the program centers on a patriotic theme that challenges the
	student participants to think about our country in a positive manner.
	The 1997-98 theme is: ``My Voice in Our Democracy''.) We now realize
	that our organization can best serve the ``War on Drugs'' by doing what
	we do best. Teaching young people about our country, the flag, and
	patriotism, while offering the opportunity to compete for valuable
	scholarship dollars is a significant and meaningful contribution. Every
	organization seated here today has similar opportunities to offer our
	youth, but we need a mechanism to better publicize the many
	opportunities and a way to coordinate our efforts.
	The VFW strongly believes the future of our country centers on a
	resolve that will center on educating our young from crib to college
	and provide parents with the opportunity and responsibility to be an
	active participant in their childrens future. A return to promoting
	family values, love of country and a respect for our fellow man would
	go a long way towards solving our countries problems. In a recent
	speech in Boston, Massachusetts, President Clinton said the message to
	Congress should be direct: ``Cross all party lines, throw politics
	away, throw the speeches in the trash can, join hands, let's do what
	works and make America the place it has to be.''
	In closing, Mr. Chairman, the VFW strongly believes the future of
	our country centers on a organized multifaceted approach to resolving
	the drug problem with each organization, agency and individual
	volunteer doing what they do best in the effort. With cooperation,
	coordination, communication, we may have a chance to get excessive
	substance use and abuse by America's youth back into control.

	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Mr. Thorson.
	Mr. Patterson, of the Lions Club International. Thank you.
	Mr. Patterson. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee,
	my name is Judge Howard L. Patterson, Jr. I presently serve as
	the first vice-president of Lions Clubs International. I thank
	you for the invitation allowing our organization to take part
	in the hearing addressing this very important issue.
	Our international president this year, Augustine Soliva,
	from Brazil, wanted to be here today because of his love for
	children, but he could not attend due to prior commitments in
	another part of the world.
	Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917 by a Federal
	businessman in Chicago, IL by the name of Melvin Jones, who saw
	a vision on the importance of serving the community. Over the
	last 80 years, our association has grown from a small group of
	businessmen to become the world's largest service-club
	organization, with 1.4 million men and women members belonging
	to over 43,000 affiliated clubs. We serve more than 43,000
	communities in 182 countries throughout the world.
	From the beginning, our motto has been, ``We serve.'' In
	1925, inspired by Helen Keller, we accepted her challenge and
	have become known over the years as the ``Knights of the
	Blind.''
	Although much of our work has been provided to care for the
	needs of the blind and to restore sight to the sightless, our
	association has also focused continually since its inception on
	serving the needs of our young people. Over the years, various
	programs have been developed, including the establishment in
	1968 of our Leo Club program. This program now has nearly
	130,000 youth members in over 5,000 clubs in 100 countries. Our
	Leo members develop leadership, experience, and opportunity
	through community service.
	Our association sponsors the Lions Youth Exchange Program,
	where annually over 4,000 young people between the ages of 15
	and 21 have the opportunity of sharing in family and community
	life in another country. Closely related to our youth exchange
	is Lions International Youth Camp Program. Young people of
	different nationalities are brought together to share a camping
	experience in a spirit of friendship and understanding.
	Lions Clubs International also sponsors a worldwide Peace
	Poster Contest for youth, ages 11 through 13. This annual
	contest provides youth an opportunity to tell us adults in
	picture form how they see the world or would like to see the
	world.
	Thanks to the commitment from our local clubs, our
	organization is the largest sponsor of Boy Scout troops outside
	of the church organizations. Our local clubs also help sponsor
	many other youth activities, as well as youth scholarship
	programs, school-based activities, sporting events, and many
	other programs too numerous to list.
	If any activity has a positive value to our young people
	and one of our clubs has been approached to assist, we are
	probably involved.
	In 1982, Lions Clubs International made a very important
	long-term commitment to do what we could to address drug-abuse-
	related problems. As one of the first major service
	organizations to do so, our organization felt it was our
	obligation because of the seriousness of the drug abuse
	problem. We fully understand that the drug abuse problem facing
	this country is also a real threat to other countries
	throughout the world as well.
	Our association is continually encouraging our local clubs
	to assist in community drug-abuse-prevention efforts. Because
	of our strong commitment to address this issue, Lions Clubs
	International provided funding to help underwrite the
	development of school-based, drug abuse and violence-prevention
	curricula. This was accomplished in partnership with Quest
	International. The curricula provided youth with skills
	necessary to resist negative influences, such as alcohol,
	tobacco, and other harmful drugs, teaching them to make
	healthy, mature decisions.
	With the financial assistance of many of our clubs, the
	curricula have reached over 10 million young people worldwide,
	at a rate of approximately 2 million students per year. The
	Lions/Quest curricula include ``Skills for Growing'' for
	elementary school students, ``Skills for Adolescents'' for
	middle-school students, and ``Skills for Action'' for high
	school students.
	Most recently, our organization renewed its commitment to
	youth by adoption of the Lions Youth Outreach Program. The
	theme of this program is ``Challenging Tomorrow--Today.'' The
	mission of the Youth Outreach Program is to help and to
	challenge youth to learn to achieve and to serve. Its goal is
	to develop responsible adult citizens, parents, and community
	leaders for the future. Important program components include
	drug abuse prevention, community education, environmental,
	health, international, and recreational services.
	As part of the Youth Outreach Program, Lions Clubs
	International has invested in the production of a video and
	accompanying written materials entitled ``The Future Is Ours--
	So Now What?'' This program, sponsored by our local clubs, is
	presently being offered in North America. It is our goal to
	make this program available at no charge to any requesting
	schools and youth-serving organizations to help motivate young
	people in service. A program kit has been provided to the
	subcommittee staff, which can be shared with interested
	congressional Members.
	This year, Lions Club Youth Outreach has gained a new
	dimension. Lions Clubs around the world are becoming involved
	in helping street children, who are at great risk. There are
	well over 100 million children roaming the streets without
	proper shelter or guidance. Our clubs are being educated on the
	scope of the street-children problem, as well as being informed
	with the information and ideas on how they can become involved
	in alleviating this problem in their communities.
	Because of the strong belief that investing in our young
	people is the best protection for our future, our association
	made a most important decision to host a very timely summit
	leadership meeting last June here in Washington, DC. The summit
	was attended by representatives from over 30 of our leading
	civic and youth-serving, volunteer organizations, including
	many here testifying today at this hearing.
	Also attending were representatives from drug-prevention-
	based coalitions, Federal Government agencies, as well as key
	Members of Congress with drug-control oversight
	responsibilities.
	The purposes of the June summit were to share current
	efforts and objectives of each association's mission to help
	young people to discuss possible collaborative initiatives and
	to identify strategies to encourage and support youth-volunteer
	efforts in the communities. Addressing problems related to drug
	abuse was seen as essential in the efforts of every
	organization which attended.
	Our organization believes that the summit was a very
	important step toward initiating much-needed action. Copies of
	the summit summary report and our international magazine with
	an article covering that meeting has been provided to
	subcommittee staff for distribution to each congressional
	Member.
	In closing, our organization would like to publicly
	acknowledge the support provided by so many others who devote
	their resources and energy as we do to help young people to
	become the best they can be. Our association realizes that the
	only way that we will effectively address the many needs and
	serious challenges facing young people today is to unite,
	working together for this common cause.
	For the sake of our children and youth, I can assure you
	that the Lions Clubs International, as the largest service-club
	organization, accepts the responsibility to maintain a
	leadership role in our Nation's efforts toward a victory over
	the War on Drugs. Thank you very much.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Patterson follows:]
	Prepared Statement of Judge Howard L. Patterson, Jr., First Vice
	President, Lions Club International
	Good morning! My name is Judge Howard L. Patterson, Jr. I presently
	serve as the 1st Vice-President of Lions Clubs International. I thank
	you for the invitation allowing our organization to take part in this
	hearing addressing a very important issue. Our International President
	this year, Augustin Soliva from Brazil, wanted to be here today because
	of his love for children, but could not attend due to prior commitments
	in another part of the world.
	Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917 by a local
	businessman in Chicago, Illinois, Melvin Jones, who saw a vision on the
	importance of serving the community. Over the last 80 years our
	Association has grown from a small group of businessmen to become the
	world's largest service club organization. With 1.4 million men and
	women members belonging to over 43,000 affiliated clubs, we serve more
	than forty-three thousands communities in 182 countries throughout the
	world. From the beginning, our motto has been ``We Serve.'' In 1925,
	inspired by Helen Keller, we accepted her challenge and have become
	known over the years as the ``Knights of the Blind.''
	Although much of our work has been provided to care for the needs
	of the blind and to restore sight to the sightless, our association has
	also focused continually on serving the needs of our young people. Over
	the years, various programs have been developed including the
	establishment in 1968 of our Leo Club program. This program now has
	nearly 130,000 youth members in over 5,000 clubs in 100 countries. Our
	Leo members develop Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity through
	community service.
	Our Association sponsors the Lions Youth Exchange Program where
	annually over 4,000 young people between the ages of 15-21 have the
	opportunity of sharing in family and community life in another country.
	Closely related to youth exchange is the Lions International Youth Camp
	Program. Young people of different nationalities are brought together
	to share a camping experience in a spirit of friendship and
	understanding. Lions Clubs International also sponsors a world-wide
	Peace Poster contest for youth ages 11-13. This annual contest provides
	youth an opportunity to tell us adults in picture form how they see the
	world or would like to see the world.
	Thanks to the commitment from our local clubs, our organization is
	the largest sponsor of Boy Scout troops, outside of church
	organizations. Our local clubs also help sponsor many other youth
	agencies as well youth scholarship programs, school-based activities,
	sporting events, and many more programs too numerous to list. If an
	activity has positive value to our young people, and one of our clubs
	is approached to assist, we are most likely involved.
	In 1982, Lions Clubs International made a very important long term
	commitment to do what we could to address drug abuse related problems.
	As one of the first major service organizations to do so, our
	organization felt it was our obligation because of the seriousness of
	drug abuse. We fully understand that the drug abuse problem facing this
	country is also a real threat to other countries throughout the world
	as well. Our Association is continually encouraging our local clubs to
	assist in community drug abuse prevention efforts.
	Because of our strong commitment to address this issue, Lions Clubs
	International provided funding to help underwrite the development of
	school-based drug abuse/violence prevention curricula. This was
	accomplished in partnership with Quest International. The curricula
	provide youth with skills necessary to resist negative influences such
	as alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful drugs, teaching them to make
	healthy, mature decisions.
	With the financial assistance of many of our clubs, the curricula
	has reached over ten million young people world-wide at a rate of
	approximately two million students per year. The Lions-Quest curricula
	includes Skills for Growing for elementary school students, Skills for
	Adolescent for middle school students, and Skills for Action for high
	school students.
	Most recently, our organization renewed its commitment to youth by
	adoption of the Lions Youth Outreach Program. The theme of this program
	is ``Challenging Tomorrow--Today.'' The mission of the Youth Outreach
	Program is to help and challenge youth to learn, to achieve, and to
	serve. Its goal is to develop responsible adult citizens, parents and
	community leaders for the future. Important program components include
	drug abuse prevention, community, educational, environmental, health,
	international, and recreational services.
	As part of the Youth Outreach Program, Lions Clubs International
	has invested in the production of an video and accompanying written
	lesson materials entitled, ``The Future In Ours . . . So Now What?''
	This program sponsored by our local clubs is presently being offered in
	North America. It is our goal to make this program available at no
	charge to any requesting schools and youth serving organizations to
	help motivate young people in service. A program kit has been provided
	to subcommittee staff which can be shared with interested Congressional
	members.
	This year, Lions Youth Outreach has gained a new dimension. Lions
	clubs around the world are becoming involved in helping street
	children--who are at great risk. There are well over 100 million
	children roaming the streets without proper shelter of guidance. Our
	clubs are being educated on the scope of the street children problem,
	as well as being provided with information on ideas on how they can
	become involved in alleviating this problem in their communities.
	Because of our strong belief that investing in our young people is
	the best protection for our future, our Association made a most
	important decision to host a very timely leadership summit meeting last
	June here in Washington, D.C. The summit was attended by
	representatives from over thirty of our leading civic and youth serving
	volunteer organizations, including many here today testifying at this
	hearing. Also attending were representatives from drug prevention-based
	coalitions, federal government agencies as well as key members of
	Congress with drug control oversight responsibilities.
	The purposes of the June summit were to share current efforts and
	objectives of each organization's mission to help young people, to
	discuss possible collaborative initiatives, and to identify strategies
	to encourage and support youth volunteer efforts in communities.
	Addressing problems related to drug abuse was seen as essential in the
	efforts of every organization which attended. Our organization believes
	that the summit was a very important step towards initiating much
	needed action. Copies of the summit summary report and our
	international magazine with an article covering the meeting has been
	provided to subcommittee staff for distribution to each Congressional
	member.
	In closing, our organization would like to publicly acknowledge the
	support provided by so many others who devote their resources and
	energy as we do to help young people become the ``best they can be.''
	Our Association realizes that the only way that we will effectively
	address the many needs and serious challenges facing young people today
	is to unite, working together for this common cause.
	For the sake of our children and youth, I can ensure you that Lions
	Clubs International as the largest service club organization accepts
	the responsibility to maintain a leadership role in our nation's
	efforts towards victory over the ``war on drugs!'' Thank you.

	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Mr. Patterson.
	Mr. Pease.
	Mr. Pease. Mr. Chairman, the American Legion appreciates
	this opportunity to present testimony on its efforts on the War
	on Drugs. Recent statistics about drug use in America are
	alarming, and the subcommittee's leadership and continued
	oversight will play an important role in resolving this
	tragedy.
	The American Legion has been involved in the War on Drugs
	since its 1924 National Convention. It has always believed that
	cooperative, volunteer efforts at the community level have the
	best chance of both effectiveness and survival.
	A growing tragedy is the prevalence of drug use in
	elementary-school-age children, many of whom come in contact
	with drugs by age 7. Programs which provide prevention
	education, teach responsible decisionmaking, and stress the
	importance of self-reliance, citizenship, leadership, and self-
	esteem are seen as viable components to the War on Drugs which
	should be utilized in efforts to decrease teenage drug
	involvement.
	The current programs of the American Legion are designed to
	keep youth active and help instill within them a sense of pride
	in the future of their community, State, and Nation. These
	include American Legion Baseball, the National High School
	Oratorical Contest, Boys State and Boys Nation, scouting, and
	Junior Shooting Sports.
	Last year alone, the American Legion spent $60 million on
	its children and youth programs. Success stories of American
	Legion programs are exemplified by President Clinton's and Rep.
	Ramstad's involvement in Boys Nation. In addition, over 60
	percent of all professional baseball players have participated
	in American Legion Baseball.
	For over 45 years, the American Legion has promoted and
	distributed through our local posts, education and prevention
	literature concerning the national issue of drug abuse. During
	the years of 1970 to 1996, for example, over 3\1/2\ million
	pieces of drug abuse information were distributed to schools
	and other community-based, youth organizations.
	In the last 10 years, the American Legion has made a
	concentrated effort in the education of elementary-school-age
	children. To do this, the American Legion restructured its
	materials to provide a more pictorial format. As a result,
	children are able to relate what they see without having to
	worry about the words they can neither read nor understand. A
	message to parents is presented on the opening panel
	encouraging them to review the information with their children.
	The American Legion's primary approach to the program has
	always stressed prevention through education. The American
	Legion believes that to make any real advances, the Nation must
	curtail the demand. While interdicting the supply is important,
	the supply will only decrease when the demand declines.
	The American Legion continues to urge the President and the
	Congress to fully support, with adequate funding, all border,
	State, Federal, and military drug-trafficking-prevention
	programs, to include the continued use of Reserve and National
	Guard forces. In addition, the American Legion encourages the
	availability of funding for community-based and community-
	oriented organizations to continue their efforts in the War on
	Drugs.
	Literature and alternative activities like those offered by
	the American Legion, as well as public service announcements
	with the use of celebrity spokespersons must all be
	instrumental if we are to succeed. These alternative avenues to
	the family cell are necessary because family is no longer the
	deterrent it has been in the past. The family is becoming an
	endangered species, with single-parent homes becoming
	commonplace in many communities.
	The American Legion encourages information dissemination as
	a way to increase the public's awareness of the consequences of
	illicit drug use. This includes the establishment or continued
	maintenance of clearinghouses and information centers,
	development of resource directories, brochures, and the
	advancement of health fairs.
	Education programs should be aimed at increasing life and
	social-skill building, decisionmaking, refusal skills, and
	judgment abilities. These may include family management classes
	and mentoring programs.
	While the American Legion believes that schools should
	concentrate on providing basic learning skills, drug prevention
	and early intervention strategies with an emphasis on family
	involvement should be increased. Most importantly, America's
	youth need viable alternatives like those offered by the
	American Legion.
	In closing, the American Legion would like to reiterate the
	emphasis on the family. The Government, local communities, and
	civic and youth organizations are all important in the War on
	Drugs, but they can never replace a cohesive, family unit.
	The American Legion believes that the Federal Government
	should continue to concentrate on drug trafficking and
	interdiction to provide the necessary resources for civic and
	youth organizations to work with local communities to involve
	America's youth and their families.
	Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Pease follows:]
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	Mr. Hastert. Thank you very much. There are certainly fine
	efforts of the American Legion.
	Mr. Baugher.
	Mr. Baugher. Mr. Chairman, one of the privileges of being
	president is delegation. I have asked Larry Chisholm, our
	executive director, to present the testimony this morning on
	behalf of the National Masonic Foundation.
	Mr. Hastert. Without objection.
	Mr. Chisholm. Thank you, Don. Mr. Chairman, members of the
	subcommittee, we have already submitted for the record our
	rather lengthy statement. I will not try to recite that. Let me
	try to emphasize part of it and expand on one other part of it
	in the few minutes that I have.
	When we began in May 1987, it was already rather late in
	what was then called the ``War on Drugs.'' I do not like the
	simile, but that is what was used. We looked at our limited
	resources and said, ``What part of this can we do?'' We thought
	our assumption was when we began, that we would simply step
	into something that was already ongoing.
	What we quickly found was that while there were a lot of
	people jumping up and down and saying, ``nobody cares, nobody
	cares,'' our perception was that a lot of people cared, but
	nobody knew what the right solution was, what the response to
	this problem was. It was rather surprising. As I say, it was
	already rather late in the game.
	So we looked at it for ourselves, analyzed it for
	ourselves, and what we came up with was there are four elements
	in the solution of the problem of alcohol and other drug abuse
	among children: awareness, treatment, enforcement, and
	prevention. What we also saw rather quickly was that the
	misunderstanding of the right values between these or the right
	mix of these was responsible for the waste of billions of
	dollars with no perceived progress. The danger to this is that
	if the no perceived progress continues, it will lead to
	frustration.
	I think, to a great extent, it already has among the
	public, and the final surrender will get very attractive, and
	we will just go with legalization. Our perception of
	legalization is that most arguments for it distill down to
	reducing the case load of the system and the courts, and
	perhaps there is a less-threatening solution to that problem.
	Let me deal briefly with each of the four elements. We
	talked to a lot of treatment professionals. The treatment
	professionals themselves were telling us that they could not
	keep up with the nature and the scope of this problem. If we
	are to be a humane society, we must offer treatment for those
	who have fallen into the pit of addiction and somehow find the
	will to climb out of it.
	But as one of our former--again, the ancient phrase, ``drug
	czars,'' has said, we do not win a war by treating the wounded;
	and the treatment community themselves were aware of that, even
	with the optimum possible resources that they had received.
	Enforcement can hold back the dam from bursting while we
	solve whatever the problem is. That latter part has to be
	pursued, or enforcement is helpless. We had Ed Heath, who was,
	at the time, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration
	Worldwide Intelligence, as a guest speaker at our annual
	meeting a couple of years ago; and after he spoke very
	eloquently about his view of what was going on around the world
	and the flow of drugs, and it was horrifying--the horror
	stories were very impressive--he ended with saying, please,
	please, please, groups like you and other groups, please pursue
	prevention programs because they cannot catch up to the scope
	of it either unless we reduce use and demand.
	The other two elements, awareness and prevention; awareness
	programs is everything from poster contests to kids to TV
	programs. The biggest problem or danger with awareness is
	believing that it is synonymous with prevention; it is not. It
	is very different, and, again, a lot of money has been wasted
	on this misunderstanding.
	Awareness programs can tell you that a problem exists. It
	can give you some idea of the scope and nature of the problem,
	and most of all, it can keep people aware that something is
	there and that something needs to be done about it. Another
	element must be added if there is to be prevention, and that
	requires direct involvement.
	I think I see generally a movement heading toward that,
	toward more involvement. We have a program called the Masonic
	Model Student Assistance Training. It is a pure prevention
	program, and, in fact, three of our most successful
	jurisdictions are represented here on the subcommittee, your
	own State, Illinois, as you know; and Arizona and Maryland.
	In brief, what the Masonic model does is takes court teams
	from schools, usually five to seven educators. I say educators
	because it will be teachers. It will also be administrator,
	school nurse, guidance counselor. We try to keep it flexible
	enough so if there is any school employee, a janitor or
	cafeteria worker, that has a particular rapport with the
	children, that they be included on the court team; and we have
	had some miracles with this. We had one janitor become chairman
	of the court team to clean up the school in Maryland, as a
	matter of fact.
	We would take about 10 of these teams and put them through
	a training week. There is an awful lot in the training. I will
	not take time for that now. There are two things that make it
	most effective: our heavy emphasis on identification of who are
	the children that are going to use before they start using. It
	is pure prevention. A lot of people do not even know this can
	be done. It can be, and it is surprisingly easy.
	The second part of the emphasis is on once you make the
	identification--and we are talking about children in pain here,
	basically, that is what we are talking about--once you make the
	identification, how do you intervene? What do you do? In many
	cases, of course, the intervention is taking place where the
	addictive cycle may have gone on in the family for generations.
	We now have affected hundreds of thousands of children
	throughout the country already. The jurisdiction where we have
	been the longest, for example, from our beginning, our training
	in the State of Pennsylvania. For the last reporting year, 1994
	to 1995, the last year for which we have figures, 71,637
	children were referred to the court teams. These are children
	that are in trouble, or already headed toward trouble. As of
	the most recent report, 86 percent of those have shown on
	further signs of difficulty.
	We can get fancy by talking about doing this and how we do
	it. Basically, what it is all about is setting up a systematic
	way for caring adults to be in touch with the children. That is
	what we do. Thank you.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Chisholm follows:]
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	Mr. Hastert. Thank you, Mr. Chisholm.
	The final person to testify today is Dennis Windscheffel,
	and although he does not represent any one volunteer
	organization, he has been very instrumental in coordinating
	many volunteer organizations, up to 60 million, representing 60
	million Americans who belong to those organizations. So we
	appreciate your work and ask for your testimony.
	Mr. Windscheffel. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think before I
	begin my testimony, I feel I should give some thanks back both
	to the chairman, especially, and Bobby Charles to your side,
	because we need more Bobby Charleses to make things happen back
	here, especially with the Congress. I appreciate his effort and
	his staff in allowing these great organizations to have the
	opportunity to tell their story.
	Mr. Hastert. You have found out that the staff makes the
	place run. [Laughter.]
	Mr. Windscheffel. I am a member of Lions Clubs
	International, so I should give them credit, but I was also an
	Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, so I am proud of
	that fact, too.
	As you are aware, I have been asked to give the concluding
	summary testimony at this hearing because of my vast experience
	in not only working with these organizations, but also because
	of my experience in the drug-prevention field over the years.
	This subcommittee has heard today from representatives from
	a cross-section of leading volunteer-based organizations. You
	have learned about valuable, prevention-based, program services
	offered to help young people lead drug-free, responsible,
	caring, and productive life styles. These leading volunteer
	organizations have a long history of addressing many social
	challenges. Through a combined membership of over 50 million
	American adults and youth--again, 50 million American adults
	and youth--approximately 60 percent of the population of the
	United States of America, they do represent the largest,
	combined, volunteer base in this country. They also represent
	the largest, combined movement in drug prevention in the
	country.
	Their commitment to help address problems facing your young
	people has always been a major part of their mission. Over the
	years, I have had the opportunity to help plan numerous
	prevention-based programs designed to positively impact the
	lives of young people.
	I have had the unique opportunity on two occasions to plan
	summit meetings discussing important youth issues, bringing
	together the leadership of several of our Nation's leading
	civic and youth-serving organizations. As I have traveled
	across America, implementing various prevention-based programs,
	I have always emphasized the importance of how these
	outstanding organizations are playing a significant role in the
	battle against drugs.
	My discussion in regard to the value of these organizations
	has included a presentation to various Federal agencies. I have
	seen many Federal initiatives which could have been
	dramatically enhanced if the civic volunteer and youth-serving
	organizations were involved. But unfortunately, too often, many
	of these Federal agencies have been conditioned to focus on
	working with their own grantees and not with outside
	organizations.
	I bring this point up because it has become apparent and
	mentioned over and over again today that the Government alone
	cannot resolve the drug problems and other concerns facing our
	young people. If we are to have a real chance to control the
	problems related to drugs, then there must be a major force to
	help facilitate collaborative actions among various
	nongovernmental stakeholders, along with Federal Government
	programs.
	To have a major impact on controlling drugs, we must focus
	more on strategies that address the process of how we do
	things. We need to address real problems facing our young
	people in a holistic approach, realizing that there is common
	ground to resolve any anti-social behavioral symptoms. With
	limited time and community resources, an effective approach is
	to encourage local communities to form a community, rather to
	form a centralized, prevention-based coalition consisting of
	stakeholder organizations rather than a coalition for each
	behavioral problem addressed.
	To further involve the American public in our drug-
	prevention efforts, we need to expand our definition of what
	drug prevention is. Too often it is perceived too narrow and
	very limited for the average citizen to visualize how he or she
	can assist.
	By expanding the parameters of the definition of
	prevention, basic, fundamental principles which we know
	positively impact the lives of young people, citizens can
	better realize that there are important roles that everyone can
	play. Involvement in these roles can do more good if
	accomplished on a national level than ever could be
	accomplished with limited Government funding.
	The organizations here today have the ability within this
	network to carry this message out in communities all across
	America. The uncontrolled usage of drugs as recreational or as
	addictive can seriously impact our country. Most alarming of
	all is that too many young people today do not see the harm and
	are willing to experiment with various types of drugs with
	little or no peer pressure put on them at all.
	The result is an alarming increase in the number of young
	people involved with drugs which has never been experienced at
	this level.
	If this is not bad enough, we are now facing a new crisis:
	a revitalized, drug-legalization movement across this country.
	The rationale for this movement is based on the argument that
	certain drugs now classified as illegal should be allowed
	because of possible medical benefits. Coming from California, I
	have seen first hand how legalization organizers have been able
	to mislead the public, resulting in the approval of Proposition
	215.
	This initiative is so loosely written and if spread across
	the country, this movement could put us back at ground zero in
	our drug control and prevention efforts. If we do not act
	quickly and effectively, uncontrolled involvement in drugs has
	the potential to seriously impact all major national issues.
	This includes seriously impacting our national economy, the
	Federal budget, health care, education, and most importantly,
	the very fiber of the society holding this great country
	together.
	At this time, I would like to present a few strategies very
	quickly, because I see my time is out. Basically, they are some
	of the ideas I have talked to Bobby Charles about, and they
	have to do with some structural changes with ONDCP.
	Mr. Hastert. If you could, could you just submit them in
	writing into the record. We have a series of votes coming.
	Mr. Windscheffel. Oh, OK.
	[The prepared statement of Mr. Windscheffel follows:]
	Prepared Statement of Dennis Windscheffel, Drug Prevention Program
	Consultant
	On behalf of the outstanding organizations here today, I wish to
	thank the House Subcommittee on National Security for providing the
	opportunity to testify. This subcommittee has heard from
	representatives from a cross section of leading volunteer-based
	organizations representing major service clubs, fraternal, veteran's
	organizations, a women's and business organization, and from a leading
	youth serving agency. Testimony today has included a brief history of
	the organizations and an overview of the significant roles they play
	related to the war on drugs. You have heard about prevention-based
	program services offered to help young people lead drug-free,
	responsible, caring, and productive lifestyles. Some have shared ideas
	to enhance prevention activities. Included in my summary remarks are
	recommended strategies to improve our nation's overall prevention
	efforts as well as participation by major civic volunteer
	organizations.
	These leading volunteer organizations have a long history of
	addressing many social challenges facing this nation. Through a
	combined membership of over 50 million American adults and youth, these
	organizations collaboratively represent the largest combined organized
	group of volunteers providing resources to communities. There members
	collectively belong to hundreds of thousands of local community
	affiliated chapters serving communities all across this country. Not
	only do members of these organizations provide volunteer service but
	most pay membership dues to belong to their respective organizations.
	Their members meet socially and in service on a regular bases. These
	organizations provide various types of leadership training and provide
	communication networks so every member within their organizations can
	be kept abreast about what is happening.
	Local affiliate chapters raise funds through various types of
	activities which are put directly back dollar for dollar into the
	communities addressing needs. There is no overhead and no profit taken.
	Their organized structures at both the top and local community levels
	play a big part for there long time existence and significant
	accomplishments. Their commitments to help address problems facing our
	young people has always been a major part of their missions.
	I am here today because of a personal decision I made approximately
	15 years ago. It was one of the most important and rewarding decisions
	of my life. In 1982, I was serving as the club president of the local
	Lions Club serving the community where I resided and had a business.
	During my year as club president our organization made a long-term
	commitment to emphasis the importance of our association and local
	clubs do what they can to address drug related problems. This
	commitment was made by Lions Clubs International because of the
	seriousness of the problem not only facing our nation but also because
	of the dangerous and real threat it presented to countries all around
	the world. During my year as club president, I was able to have my club
	sponsor prevention educational program materials I designed for young
	children to be placed in a few elementary schools. As this program grew
	other service clubs and fraternal organizations helped sponsor these
	materials. This joint sponsorship allowed all elementary schools in the
	entire school district to present educational materials to help
	children understand the importance of non-drug involvement.
	As my personal desire grew to do what I could in the crusade
	against drugs, I made the decision to leave the business world and
	dedicate both my professional services as well as much of my volunteer
	time in this most important endeavor. Since that time, I have had the
	opportunity to help plan numerous prevention-based strategies,
	programs, and other services designed to positively impact the lives of
	young people. I have designed and administered several prevention-based
	federally funded programs. These programs have been funded by the U.S.
	Department of Education, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Drug
	Enforcement Administration, ACTION, and by the Corporation for National
	Service. I have had the unique opportunity on two occasions to plan
	summit meetings, bringing together the leadership of several of our
	nation's leading civic and youth serving volunteer-based organizations.
	One of the main purposes of these summit meetings was to focus around
	drug prevention issues related to young people. In planning this most
	important hearing today, I was given the opportunity to assist staff in
	the recruitment of organizations which have testified.
	As I have traveled across America implementing various prevention-
	based programs for young people, I have always emphasized the
	importance of how many leading civic and youth serving volunteer
	organizations are playing a significant role in the battle against
	drugs. Because of my personal knowledge of their abilities and desires,
	I also have stressed that there is much more that these great
	organizations can and would do to help address concerns facing our
	young people, if only there was a more organized structure to
	facilitate such action.
	My discussions in regards to the value of the civic and youth
	serving volunteer organizations over the years has included
	presentations to various federal agencies with drug prevention
	responsibilities. I have seen many federal initiatives which could have
	been dramatically enhanced if the civic volunteer and youth serving
	organizations were involved. But unfortunately, too often many of these
	federal agencies have been conditioned to focus on working with their
	own grantees and not with outside organizations. I have even heard the
	excuse that building such a partnership is not in their Congressional
	mandate. It has been very frustrating to understand why there has been
	little effort to attract the involvement of our volunteer civic
	organizations when they have so much to offer.
	I bring this point up because it has become apparent that the
	government alone cannot resolve the drug problem and other concerns
	facing our young people. Even with all the grant programs funded across
	this nation over the years, there will not be a national triumph unless
	cost-effective resources within communities are more effectively
	utilized. If we are to have a real chance to control the drug problem
	then there must be a major effort to help facilitate collaborative
	actions among various key non-governmental stakeholders along with
	federal government programs.
	Since 1985 large sums of federal funds have become available for
	grant programs to address the drug problems. In most cases these funds
	have not been evenly distributed across this country with the exception
	of drug-free school state block grant funds which are distributed to
	requesting school districts. Many geographic areas have been able to
	successfully receive several grants while other areas around the
	country have received little or nothing. I which I could say that the
	funds that Congress provides always goes to the most needed
	communities, but often those community areas with the best success are
	politically correct or have the best grant writers.
	To have a major impact to control drugs we must focus more on
	strategies that address the process of how we do things. We must employ
	many more approaches providing prevention opportunities for every
	community across this country. This includes an awareness campaign at
	the national level which stimulates the involvement of the American
	public in our prevention efforts. We need to address real problems
	facing our young people in a holistic approach, realizing that there is
	common ground to resolve many antisocial behavioral symptoms including
	gang, violence, crime activity, teenage pregnancy, dropping out of
	school, etc. With limited time and community resources, a more
	effective approach is to encourage our local communities across the
	country to form a centralized prevention-based coalition consisting of
	stakeholder organizations rather than a coalition for each behavioral
	problem addressed.
	To further involve the American public in our drug prevention
	efforts we need to expand our definition of what prevention is. Too
	often it is perceived to narrow and very limited for the average
	citizen to visualize how he or she can assist. Too many Americans see
	our prevention efforts as highly specialized and something which only
	law enforcement officers or other professionals in the field can
	provide. By placing the word drug before prevention we make it sound as
	if it has to be treated differently than other prevention efforts for
	young people at risk. Involvement in drugs needs to be thought as a
	symptom or outcome of real problems facing our young people.
	By expanding the perimeters of the definition of prevention to
	basics, citizens across this country can better realize that there are
	important roles that everyone can play. We need to emphasize to a
	greater degree the importance of good parenting, having the family
	attend church services, supporting positive youth activities in the
	communities, provide service opportunities for young people, and we can
	go on and on with sound fundamental principles which we know make a
	real difference in the lives of young people. Involvement in these
	roles can do more good if accomplished on a national level than ever
	could be accomplished with limited governmental funding. The
	organizations here today have the ability and tremendous network to
	carry this message out and to make these activities happen in
	communities all across America!
	I wish at this time to share a few other personal observations
	based on my years of experiences as it relates to our nation's efforts
	to address the drug problem, especially as it relates to helping our
	young people. First of all, I want to make it perfectly clear to the
	members of this subcommittee and to the panel representatives here
	today, that the problems related to illegal drugs (including alcohol
	for youth) has been and still are the greatest threat facing our
	country and world today. This statement is even more magnified if we
	confined the problems to our young people.
	I know that there is much discussion now in Congress and in the
	White House on balancing the budget, protecting social security,
	welfare reform, and the cost of Medicare. Not resolving these issues
	can have a dramatic impact on the future of this country down the road,
	and workable bipartisan solutions must be found. With the same vigor as
	these issues we must as a nation unite to seriously address our most
	present danger to our country and most importantly to our young people,
	our future!
	The uncontrolled usage of drugs as either recreational or as
	additive can seriously impact our country and world in many ways. The
	relationship between drugs and crime is significant with our prisons
	overcrowded with criminals with some type of drug involvement. Gang
	activity related to drugs is a concern facing many communities today
	resulting in citizens and young people living in fear. Emergency rooms
	in hospitals are often bombarded with overdosing cases related to
	drugs. And most alarming of all, too many young people today do not see
	the harm and are willing to experiment with various types of drugs with
	little or no peer pressure put on them. The result is an alarming
	increase in the number of young people involved in drugs which has
	never been experienced at this level.
	If this is not bad enough, we now face a new crisis, a revitalized
	drug legalization movement across this country. The rationale for this
	movement is based on the argument that certain drugs now classified as
	illegal should be allowed because of possible ``medical'' benefits.
	Coming from California, I have seen first hand how legalization
	organizers have been able to mislead the public resulting in the
	approval of Proposition 215. This initiative is so loosely written that
	if spread across the country this movement could put us back to ground
	zero in our drug control and prevention efforts. Drug legalization
	activists have been able to successfully with a minimum of dollars
	compared to the billions of dollars provided over the years to address
	the drug problem, create a national debate on the value of certain
	illicit drugs and our present drug control policies.
	I know that Director Barry McCaffrey from the Office of National
	Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is a very dedicated and capable individual
	who is a personally commitment to defeat this current legalization
	movement. This subcommittee though needs to understand that no one man
	or agency can do everything that is needed to effectively control and
	diffuse what should be a real and alarming concern facing this nation.
	Both the propositions in California and Arizona prevailed because the
	winning side was organized and the losing side was not prepared. With
	the present movement of many more states now considering similar
	initiatives, we must now view this as a national threat which needs to
	be addressed by all three federal branches of government. If we do not
	act quickly and effectively, uncontrolled involvement in drugs has the
	potential to serious impact all major national issues being addressed
	by this Congress and the White House. This includes seriously impacting
	our national economy, federal budget, health care, education, and most
	important the very moral fiber of our society holding this great
	country together.
	As I try to assess where we are as a nation in our prevention
	efforts, I am reminded of a old television commercial showing a
	mechanic holding up a new oil filter and saying ``Come in and see me
	now to have this inexpensive filter put in your car, or it will be very
	costly when I see you later to repair your engine.'' I wish that I
	could say that we had time to still change the filter as it relates to
	our drug crisis, but it is too late! We now need to do some major
	repairs by the best mechanics available to effectively address drug
	related problems facing this nation. We may even need to change some of
	the parts or even consider a major overall of the system!
	Before I present some workable strategy ideas, my mission here
	today is not to put any blame on who is responsible for any past or
	lack of past actions. Even though we can learn by mistakes made in the
	past and need to take them into consideration, the important thing here
	today is to discuss what to do now and in the future. I will emphasis
	strategies that will utilize the resources of our nation's great civic
	volunteer and youth serving organizations to be pivotal in our nation's
	prevention efforts.
	To develop sound prevention-based strategies there needs to be
	effective action plans to make sure they become realities. Strategies
	need to be based on concrete premises. Five important premises to base
	an aggressive and effective drug prevention movement in this country
	include:
	1) The drug crisis is real and is one of the greatest threats now
	facing our nation and world today. We are now facing the battle of our
	lives and the immediate future of this country. There is a crisis and
	the American public must be told the truth and become aware of the
	seriousness of the problem. We cannot avoid the problem, we cannot put
	it under the rug, we must educate our citizens and aggressively combat
	the problem with no further delays.
	2) Communities who can develop active collaborative prevention
	movements within stand the best chance of effectively addressing
	concerns related to drugs as well as other social concerns. The role of
	federal government can best be served by providing seed funding for
	promising programs to help facilitate communities and organizations in
	initial prevention efforts but should not be there for developing long
	term dependent relationships. Communities organizations should be
	thanking the federal government for funds provided to start program
	services rather than complaining about more funds for continuing the
	programs.
	3) To combat any aggressive drug legalization movement, the best
	defense are aggressive offensive tactics. Although challenges must be
	presented in opposition to the strengths of the legalization movements,
	major stress should be placed on approaches attacking the weakness of
	the legalization movements (i.e. in responding to Proposition 215 more
	emphasis needs to be placed on addressing such real concerns as no age
	limits for provided medical use, no control factors put in place for
	distribution of drugs to be used, no specific limitations as to what
	medical problems justify usage, mix messages given to young people, and
	reminder to public that marijuana has been proven to be harmful to the
	body and is one of the most common gateway drugs leading to the use of
	even more destructive drugs). Too much emphasis is now being placed on
	medical doctors debating with other medical doctors. It appears if we
	are falling into a trap set by the other side putting us in a no-win
	situation.
	4) Studies have shown that one of the best forms of prevention for
	young people is to provide opportunities in service to others. This can
	help young people socially bond with school, community and family,
	developing a real sense of self-worth and responsibility.
	5) Promising prevention programs must be sustained on an ongoing
	bases by local communities to keep drug related problems under control.
	Efforts should be directed by a prevention-based coalition consisting
	of representatives from key stakeholders.
	At this time, I will present a few strategies for federal
	government consideration designed to enhance and improve current
	approaches and prevention-based participation, as well as counter the
	present drug legalization movement. Strategies presented take into
	consideration one or more of the five premises mentioned above.
	recommendation one
	The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under the
	leadership of the Director should establish a management level task
	force consisting of well qualified non-federal governmental experts
	representing each of critical identified stakeholder areas (i.e. law
	enforcement, education, entertainment field, religious institutions,
	community coalitions, civic and youth serving volunteer organizations).
	Selected individuals should represent outstanding prevention leaders in
	their field, highly respected by their peers, and capable of securing
	vast non-governmental resources contributed at the local community
	levels by stakeholders they represent. The organization of this
	management team could bring together leaders in each of their
	respective fields to plan and put into place the most effective action
	plan to carry out proposed strategies. Joint meetings could take place,
	allowing task force members to coordinate collaborative initiatives
	between the various stakeholder areas as well as with involved federal
	agencies.
	The time it would take for any Director of ONDCP, no matter who he
	or she is, to learn all that is needed is time we now cannot afford.
	The current system provides for ONDCP staff (although qualified in some
	areas) who may not be in the best position to most effectively move
	entire key stakeholders at a national level. I am fully aware that
	experts in various fields provide advisement to ONDCP staff, but what
	is recommended is not the same. There is a big difference in the
	approaches! Advisors advice and that is the extend of their services.
	What is recommended here provides for experts who are in a better
	position to actually produce results and be accountable for what is
	achieved. These dedicated individuals do not just sit in Washington,
	D.C. but would travel around the country putting forces together in a
	common effort to achieve objectives related to the five goals presently
	outlined in our national drug control strategy. Instead of relying on
	just advice we are utilizing experts in each of the critical fields to
	facilitate the greatest impact. Funds needed to form this management
	team of experts can be taken from the $60 million provided by Congress
	to ONDCP to enhance the performance level of the agency.
	recommendation two
	An united national campaign must be conducted immediately by each
	of the identified stakeholder areas under the direction of ONDCP. This
	campaign needs to alert communities all across America of the
	seriousness of the drug problems (including current drug legalization
	movement), and about promising strategies and programs to implement to
	combat the problems. Leaders of Congress and the President of the
	United States should address the American public specifically in
	regards to the drug issue. There needs to be a strong message sent
	across this country that we now face a crisis.
	recommendation three
	To help spread resources evenly across the country, tax incentive
	legislation should be put into law that help stimulate prevention
	efforts in communities. Tax incentives could include tax credits or
	deductions for contributions provided for prevention programs impacting
	young people. In addition, deductions should be considered for
	businesses and corporations sponsoring employees and management into
	civic volunteer organizations. Donations to civic volunteer
	organizations for prevention efforts should be allowed for tax
	deduction purposes. Offsets for these incentives can be based on
	earning your tax relief rather than just providing tax cuts giving tax
	breaks across the board. Restrictions could be placed on qualifying for
	tax incentives at the state level (i.e. such as need to in compliance
	with federal drug laws), and at the community level (i.e. such as need
	to have certified community-based prevention coalition in place).
	recommendation four
	Federal funding for drug related programs (including state block
	grant funds) should be allocated to only states and organizations
	within these states in full accordance of federal drug related laws.
	Any state not in accordance (i.e. California and Arizona) may have up
	to 18 months to be in accordance to federal drug related laws. This
	includes laws pertaining to FDA requirements dealing with approved
	drugs for medical purposes. An example of this type of legislation may
	be compared to legislation providing federal funds for highway
	improvement. Legislation should be considered immediately and attached
	to the 1997 drug bill so states get the message before upcoming public
	votes on proposed ``drug use for medical purpose'' initiatives.
	To protect our young people, its time for the White House and
	Congress to work together to get tough and to send a strong message.
	The proposed legislation will send a much stronger message then federal
	action taken so far. It would help attract more citizens and voters
	involved in our defense than by threatening to take the licenses away
	from doctors for prescribing illegal drugs for patients. School
	districts (including parents of students), state and county agencies,
	concerned civic organizations and other significant groups will join
	the cause to defeat any type of state laws that could jeopardize future
	federal governmental funding for programs combating drug related
	concerns.
	recommendation five
	A forum should be sponsored by ONDCP or other designated federal
	agency whereby key representatives from leading civic and youth serving
	volunteer organizations can jointly meet either annually or biannually.
	At this forum selected federal agencies (i.e. ONDCP, U.S. Department of
	Education, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, DEA, Corporation for
	National Service) could present current promising research findings in
	area of prevention. Governmental prevention initiatives could be
	presented which can be enhanced by involvement of civic and youth
	serving organizations. Action plans can be discussed at these forums.
	This could also provides opportunity for leaders of Congress and
	Administration to address key representatives of major civic and youth
	serving organizations in a single setting. Follow-up communication
	needs to be established (i.e. computer networking) so civic and youth
	serving organizations are aware of most current promising strategies
	and programs available to share with local affiliated chapters across
	this country. ONDCP should in cooperation with other agencies put
	together a series of video programs covering various drug prevention
	issues with master tapes provided to headquarters of civic and youth
	serving volunteer organizations for distributed to local affiliates for
	viewing.
	recommendation six
	Emphasis should be given on providing federal grants to provide
	``seed'' funds to help initiate program services at the community
	level. Special development grants should be provided to major youth
	serving organizations. These organizations have the capacity to develop
	promising prevention program services that can be duplicated and
	distributed with non-governmental sponsorship funds to a vast number of
	affiliated chapters nationally.
	In reference to the proposed Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997,
	special funding consideration should be given to the 100 cities (many
	representing the largest cities across this country) participating in
	the upcoming April Presidents' Summit for America's Future. The
	formation of a community-based prevention coalition could be easily
	incorporated in what selected teams of leaders from these invited
	cities will be charged to do as an outcome of the summit meeting. An
	in-service workshop about the Drug-Free Communities Act should be
	presented at the summit meeting covering the requirements for grants,
	as well as effective steps in the formation of a prevention-based
	coalition addressing youth concerns (including drug prevention
	efforts). Why not build upon a national movement with vast resources
	all ready being invested for the best effective results.
	I will now present recommendations and some examples related to
	actions which can be taken by our nation's leading civic and youth
	serving volunteer organizations to help make a significant difference
	in controlling our nation's drug problems. These recommendations
	include:
	1) Providing their vast communication channels (i.e. magazines,
	newsletters, web pages, conventions, forums) to carry important
	awareness messages out to millions of members and families across the
	country. These messages should include presentations by their own
	international or national leaders, the President of the United States,
	leaders of Congress, the Director of ONDCP, and other national figures.
	2) Distribution of prepared video programs explaining and
	illustrating national drug control strategy plan, counter activities
	for drug legalization movement, and importance of immediate involvement
	to help young people lead drug-free and responsible lifestyles. Video
	programs to be provided to local chapters across the country for
	viewing by members at chapter meetings and by other citizens at civic
	organization sponsored events.
	3) Sponsorship of national, state, and community prevention service
	recognition awards, honoring organizations and individuals providing
	outstanding service to help young people stay drug-free. This includes
	the sponsorship of a national youth award promoted by major youth
	serving organizations across the country.
	An example of a partnership with the federal government in this
	area is the recent commitment by several of the leading civic volunteer
	organizations to sponsor national service scholars. Sponsoring civic
	volunteer organization chapters will put up a minimum of $500 to honor
	outstanding high school students providing service to their community.
	This scholarship will be matched by $500 provided by the Corporation
	for National Service. I predict that in just two years a significant
	number of local chapters of our leading civic volunteer organizations
	will make it possible for every high school in the country to honor a
	national service scholar.
	4) Organization headquarters to serve as clearinghouse for local
	chapters advising of most promising programs to invest time and funds
	resulting in significant results. Encouragement given by leaders to
	start or belong to local prevention-based coalitions in communities
	served.
	5) Support of selection representative(s) to attend annual or
	biannual ONDCP meeting, and as available panel member(s) for
	presentations at invited events (i.e. CADCA, PRIDE conferences,
	Congressional hearings).
	6) Sponsorship and involvement of summit meetings bringing together
	respective leadership for planning of collaborative efforts related to
	youth issues of concern.
	7) Major emphasis placed on sponsoring positive activities for
	young people, junior service clubs (i.e. Key, Leo Clubs), and joint-
	community service projects with youth. With the vast number of local
	chapters, civic and youth serving volunteer organizations are in an
	ideal position in collaboration with school districts to provide or
	sponsor a variety service opportunities for high schools students in
	the community who could be given credits towards their graduation.
	8) Developing new promising prevention-based programs and services
	based on current research findings. These programs and services to be
	made available to local affiliated chapters to share with local
	communities. In addition, at the international or national levels open
	communication (i.e. computer networking) should be established so
	organizations can share information to local chapters and to one
	another at national or international levels.
	What has been recommended today can potentially stimulate and
	impact millions of people not only in this country but in many other
	countries as well. Just think what could be accomplished if this type
	of movement available through our civic volunteer organizations can
	also be generated by several of the other key stakeholder areas as
	well. It is possible to achieve this goal if we were more organized at
	the federal government level as recommended.
	As you are aware, since the conception of the ONDCP there has been
	a series of reports published outlining the national drug control
	strategy. Federal agencies are given direction as to roles they should
	play to carry out these strategies. In these reports there is mention
	about the importance of the involvement of various non-governmental
	organizations to take an active role to help local communities in the
	battle against drugs. Yes, there is even mention of the general role of
	the civic volunteer organizations. With all this great planning why do
	we still find ourselves in the predicament we now face as it relates to
	drug control issues?
	I know that our current ONDCP Director, General Barry McCaffrey,
	has stated on several occasions that we have dropped the ball! The key
	word in his statement is we. With the word we comes responsibility.
	During this decade an event happened in another part of the world which
	brought together the historical formation of powerful forces to combat
	the invasion of one country into another, the invasion of the very
	small country of Kuwait by Iraq. Why did this happen? The stakes were
	high including possible control of a significant portion of the world's
	oil supply. One after another, nations joined the efforts of the United
	States to form one of the largest and most powerful coalitions every
	formed in modern times. How were we so successful to defeat the enemy?
	We gathered the forces around the world, brought in the best military
	leaders to plan the attack, and utilized their services to take shift
	action to carry out the plan. We utilized are best air attack forces
	and weapons to reduce enemy resistance for our ground forces. We then
	had our ground forces marched into Kuwait with the best military
	equipment available to drive the enemy forces out with minimum losses.
	There was another important factor though which dramatically helped
	our forces triumph to victory in this Middle East crisis. This factor
	often overlooked was one of the most powerful in the results obtained.
	Our military forces left this country with the understanding that the
	American public was fully supportive of what they were doing. It was
	right and just!
	With the success we experienced from this historical event, what
	lessons could be learned from Operation Dessert Storm to help us with
	what we are now facing as it relates to the drug crisis? First of all,
	we must as a nation understand that there is an ongoing invasion on our
	own soil. Utilizing illegal drugs as the weapons, the enemy is
	spreading across the country. The enemy ground troops have arrived in
	two of our states (California and Arizona) and are marching to advance
	to many other states. Unlike, Dessert Storm, the allies and the enemy
	are in most cases ourselves making it much more difficult to recognize
	and defeat. The longer we take to react the more we allow the enemy to
	set dig deep trenches. How important are the stakes this time? Is the
	deterioration of the future of our young people and this country high
	enough? I believe so, and so do the millions of Americans represented
	by these most important civic and youth serving volunteer organizations
	here today.
	To succeed, the we which General McCaffrey talks about must include
	all involved. We triumphed in Dessert Storm because we all supported
	the effort, it was right and just. We now need to do what has not been
	accomplished so far in our nation's efforts to rid the vast destruction
	caused by illegal drugs. Bring the best leaders together to plan and
	lead the various stakeholder forces that we have in this country to
	help rid our nation of deadly and destructive drugs. We must unite the
	American public in this cause so when our Drug Enforcement Agents, and
	police officers put their lives on the line to combat the supply and
	use of drugs they know that they have the support and commitment of the
	citizens they serve. This same level of citizen support needs to be
	given to all those in the community who dedicate their volunteer and
	professional time in the trenches trying their best to help turn the
	drug crisis around. We must now put everything on the table, select the
	best approaches, and most importantly take shift and effective action.
	This includes bold and courageous steps against the present and future
	drug legalization movements. We must do this so those now in the
	prevention and treatment fields to help our young people do not feel
	deserted.
	I and the organizations represented here today have not come here
	to testify because we feel that we cannot overcome the drug crisis. In
	fact, we are here because we believe that this country has the forces
	to soundly put our drug problems under control. I know that there are
	millions of Americans represented here today that are willing to help.
	They come with their hands out not asking for federal funds but to
	grasp your hands in partnership to save our young people and this
	country from destruction. The most important role that our government
	can play in the ``war on drugs'' may not be the ability to provide
	funding for a limited number of programs. It will be to help facilitate
	a real, meaningful and powerful national movement stimulating the
	involvement of the American public in communities all across this
	country. We must work together to employ strategies so that the we can
	be expanded to allow every citizen the opportunity to provide their
	support and commitment.
	I know that the 105th Congress will pass legislation on very
	important issues impacting our country. The most important
	accomplishment that this Congress can achieved is to bring about the
	necessary changes and direction in our nation's efforts to help our
	youth in their quest to become drug-free, caring and responsible
	citizens. No greater challenge and responsibility do we all have for
	the sake of this nation and the future of this world.
	It has been a honor to be here among representatives from several
	of our great volunteer organizations who serve this country so well. It
	is also been a privilege to testify to the Congressional members of
	this subcommittee who I know have a deep concern and conviction about
	the future of our young people. I know that you have been enlighten as
	I have been and share the vision how our outstanding volunteer-based
	organizations serving our nation are and can be even more essential and
	powerful partners in mutual efforts to help young people face serious
	challenges. The roles that that the leading civic volunteer
	organizations can play in our nation's prevention efforts are
	paramount! They have the combined vast forces with over 50 million
	members, hundreds of thousands of local chapters and millions of
	dollars of resources raised at the local community levels to set the
	example for others. This includes supporting community-based prevention
	coalitions, sustaining prevention activities, defeating drug
	legalization movements, and to help lead the country to victory over
	the ``war on drugs.''
	As previously mentioned, fifteen years ago, I had the support of
	local chapters of many of the civic organizations here today. With the
	support of their local chapters we made a difference in my community. I
	now sit before you with the support of international or national
	leaders of many of these same organizations fully capable of making a
	significant difference helping young people avoid drugs in communities
	all across America.
	I leave you with the thought that we must all come to the
	realization that it is time to move forward, making necessary
	modifications to improve our approaches, and employ measures which can
	move this country in unity, setting a course of action to do what is
	right and just. If we are really serious about making a significant
	impact to help our young people lead a drug-free lifestyle and to
	become the ``best they can be,'' we must act now! I will close with a
	profound statement I will never forget in reference to the war on drugs
	given by a most respected U.S. Senator, Alan Simpson, from Wyoming. He
	stated, ``We need to do whatever it takes, and if we don't all we have
	to lose is our country.'' Thank you.

	Mr. Hastert. I am going to have to leave here and break
	shortly. Because of that, I want to thank everybody, and
	especially you, Mr. Windscheffel, in doing the coordination.
	But each one of you brings a very valuable contribution to
	this--I call it a war; some people choose not to call it a war,
	but this effort to bring our youth involved in this in a first-
	hand way, so that they can actually be enabled to help others
	to have a sense of worth, to be part of this process of
	becoming an American and not falling on the wayside with the
	problems that are out there, drugs being the No. 1 thing.
	I would ask that we leave the record open, if we could,
	because of our constraint of time, and we have a series of
	votes coming up here, that we could submit several questions to
	you and that you would respond to those questions. We would
	like to have all your information, the strategies included.
	I would like to tell you one other thing. The Speaker
	called me this morning and wanted to be able to come and
	testify for a couple of minutes. You know that you have got his
	attention. He knows how important it is for our grassroots
	organizations, those people that are there involved with people
	day in and day out, those organizations are going out and
	reaching out to our kids, our children, how important they are.
	Because of his constraints, he could not be here, but you have
	his attention.
	I would also like to ask that all of you from time to time
	come back and testify and be a part of the strategy of working
	together.
	So I appreciate everybody being here today, especially the
	great testimony of the witnesses that you have brought forth,
	and we certainly have had a very exceptional hearing. With
	that, I am going to say that this hearing of the Subcommittee
	on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal
	Justice is adjourned. Thank you very much.
	[Whereupon, at 12:05 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]

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