SRSLY Launches Video to Recruit Youth and Adults

Still from SRSLY recruitment video.

"SRSLY is fun. SRSLY is a family. SRSLY is working. Join us. SRSLY!" is the message of the new SRSLY recruitment video which features seventeen SRSLY volunteers from Manchester, Stockbridge, Dexter, and Chelsea. Filmed during the last week of summer vacation, the new video explains how SRSLY started, what the coalitions are working on, and how people can get involved.

Watch the video HERE.

SRSLY is a youth substance abuse prevention coalition in these four communities. "The SRSLY coalition is open to anyone who wants to be a part of prevention," explains Ananth Ghosh, President of the SRSLY Youth Steering Committee (YSC) in Chelsea. "It is easy to become a member. You can come to a meeting, or join a project team. Check out your community's SRSLY website to find out when the next meeting is, and what projects we have going on now."

SRSLY leaders are hoping this video reaches people who haven't come to a coalition meeting, but might be interested in getting involved once they hear more about what the groups are working on. The video will be posted on the SRSLY websites, Facebook pages, and YouTube channels.

Ten of the seventeen volunteers appearing in the video are youth members of the four SRSLY coalitions, ranging from 5th – 12th grade. The remaining seven volunteers were adults, including Stockbridge Chief of Police Johnnie Torres, family practice physician Erin Darlington, DO, and Beach Middle School Principal Nick Angel.

"SRSLY uses multiple strategies across multiple sectors to prevent youth substance abuse," explained Angel. "Our programs create and preserve healthy relationships and environments so that youth are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and more likely to be health advocates for themselves."

For new and returning SRSLY members, the coalitions are also launching a SRSLY 101 video. This video includes more information on the history of the coalitions, the strategies they utilize, and local data about youth substance abuse.

For more information, visit SRSLY's website HERE or SRSLY Manchester's website HERE.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.