The Project Purple is a group of students who pledge to stand up to substance use and enable themselves to make good choices in their lives and to work towards being who they want to be by providing alternative activities to do.  The National Site provides activities, contests, videos, and all types of support for the group.  It is a simple concept.  Another draw to the initiative is the structure of the group, the kids do all the work, including coming up with creative ideas on what to do in the school.

The Project Purple is a National Initiative started in 2011 by Chris Herren and the Herren Project.   The mission of Project Purple is to empower youth to stand up and make a difference. Going Purple gives students motivation and support as they embrace a message of education and awareness. Students learn that they do not need drugs and alcohol to meet life’s challenges; that they are perfect the way they are.

Michelle Irwin, MSAPA, First Call

Michelle Irwin, MSAPA, Outreach Specialist for First Call Alcohol /Drug Prevention & Recovery.  I have been with First Call since 2008, providing Presentations, trainings, high school and community youth groups, marketing and special event services through out the community.  I believe I have the best job in the organization because I get to work with young people and community members, educating on the substance use and the consequences along with prevention services and activities.  I also get to promote all the wonderful work accomplished at First Call.  When I am not working, I spend my time with my daughter and pursuing my love of equestrian sports.

What If is a 45-90 minute presentation designed to inspire middle school and high school students to look beyond their current situations and to ask questions about the potential their lives may hold.The presentation equips students with a tool to help them make good decisions. What If prompts students to begin to think about their lives from new perspectives through the use of engaging questions, creative thinking exercises and interaction among students and educators.

What If is about the present and the future. It is not about the past in any way. It is not about things beyond our control. There are no questions about “what if I was born a different person?” or “what if my parents were rich?”. We have been shaped by events of the past, and what has happened in the past cannot be changed, but the future is full of possibilities.

Main Presenter: Brad Lademann, Missouri AfterSchool Network

Brad Lademann is a dynamic speaker with 16 years of public speaking experience and 12 years of experience working with middle school and high school students. He has worked with teens in many capacities including teacher, youth pastor, coach, and mentor. Brad worked with Communities In Schools (CIS) as the supervisor of an after school program for “at-risk” middle school students as well as CIS site coordinator for a Title 1 middle school. He currently serves as the Resource Center Coordinator for the Missouri AfterSchool Network. Brad lives in Columbia with his wife, three kids, and one extra large dog.