October 30, 1996 Campus News BREWERS INVITE YOUTH SUBMISSIONS FOR CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE DRINKING VANCOUVER - A gritty, new public service campaign launched by Canada’s brewers invites young Canadians to play a key role in responsible drinking ads targeted at youth. Taking an unconventional approach to public service campaigns, Stand Up, Speak Out, Be Heard is asking young people across the country to submit their personal messages on responsible drinking. The most compelling messages from this national search will be used by the Brewers Association of Canada in its next nation-wide responsible use campaign. “This program is about youth talking to youth, not about adults preaching to them,” said Sandy Morrison, President of the Brewers Association of Canada. “It’s a radical departure from our other campaigns because we know youth who are most at risk to abuse alcohol don’t listen to traditional authority figures. If you want a credible, convincing message, you have to go to the source. That is what this campaign is all about.” Young people can communicate their message using whatever medium they’re most comfortable with - film, video, music, writing, illustration, photography, etc. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel, of judges. - comprised of well-kriowr Canadians in the arts, media and sports communities. All judges are donating their time. A total of $100,000 in cash awards will be distributed to winning entrants across the country, with two national winners receiving up to $15,000. Selected entrants will have the opportunity to participate in developing their messages into a nation- wide public service campaign. Support for the program, from both the public and private sector, has already been overwhelming. Record stores and cinemas are helping to get submission kits into the hands of young people and the Honorable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Canada’s Secretary of State (Training and Youth), is the honorary chair of Stand Up, Speak Out, Be Heard. “In developing youth initiative it is my preference that young people speak for themselves. Today’s young people are more savvy and more responsible than ever before about the choices they face and the possible consequences,” said Blondin-Andrew. “They are making more informed decisions about their lives, and I have no doubt their ideas and experiences will produce a forceful public service campaign.” Regional judging panels have been set up across the country and a national judging panel will make the final recommendation. Judges include: Vancouver. ,