Proc. 7291 Title 3--The President Proclamation 7291 of April 12, 2000 National D.A.R.E. Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Children face many challenges in today's complex society. Poor pressure to abuse drugs and alcohol; n%ativo influences in films, music, television, and videos; school violence; gang activities; fear and low self-esteem--any or all of these pressures can lead young people to make unwise choices that can jeopardize their future and oven their lives. Since 1983, however, thoro has boon a strong positive influence in the lives of America's children that is helping thom to navigate safely through those dangers and uncer- tainties: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.). D.A.R.E. was developed jointly by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District and continues to draw its strength from partnerships among law enforcement officials, schools, parents, and communities. Under the program, specially trained police officers conduct classroom lessons designed to teach children from kindergarten through the 12th grade how to make healthy choices, overcome n%ativo influences, avoid destructive behavior, and resist the lure of drugs, alcohol, and to- bacco. The D.A.R.E. curriculum has several components designed to meet the changing needs of students as they mature. From the visitation program for children in kindergarten and the early elementary school years to the core curriculum for highly vulnerable fifth and sixth graders to reinforcement programs for middle school, junior high, and senior high students, D.A.R.E. helps young people of all ages develop the skills and self-confidence to rec- ognize and resist negative influences. And this year, D.A.R.E. has pledged to use a specialized curriculum to reach out to thousands of parents and help them talk to their children about drugs. My Administration is also taking forceful measures to help our young peo- ple make the decision to reject drugs. We are continuing to expand the un- precedented National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign in order to change the attitudes of an entire generation of young people; a campaign that is working across all race, gender, grade level, and income lines. The cam- paign is already paying dividends for American families: studies show that growing numbers of parents are talking to their children about the dangers of drug use, and youth drug use is down 13 percent in just one year. We have also expanded the Safe and Drug-Free Schools program and the Drug- Free Communities program. Through efforts like these and the commitment of programs like D.A.R.E., we can ensure that America's children have the skills, self-esteem, and guidance they need to reject substance abuse and violence and to create for themselves a bright and healthy future. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitu- tion and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 13, 2000, as National D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon our youth, parents, educators, and all 56
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