International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

June 26th is the day marked by the United Nations for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

I think it is really important for individuals and community groups to be involved in combatting the drug problem.

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime web site, children and drugs is the theme of the 2006 campaign to be launched on 26 June, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This year's slogan is "drugs are not child's play".

Scientology churches are very active members of the anti-drug team, working in their communities to reach young people with the message that it's far better to say no to drugs.

The Church of Scientology International has an anti-drug web site that gives news about what Scientologists are doing to combat drugs. For example in the US and Canada there is a group called the Drug Free Marshals where kids are "sworn in" like the Deputy Marshals of the wild west. They get their Drug Free Marshals "badge" when they pledge to live a drug-free life and help their friends do so too.

In Australia and New Zealand this group is called "Drug-Free Ambassadors."

In England they are the "Drug-Free Kids."

Anyone of any faith is very welcome to start one of these groups and can contact the Scientology church nearest to where they live for information on how to do so.

There is more information on the Scientology anti-drug programs at the Scientology Press Office web site.