Take Action: Write a Newsletter Article

A great way to spread the word about the importance of the Health Education Bill and CARE for Youth's efforts is to submit an article to be published in your school's newspaper, or a similar publication distributed to your classmates!

Here is a template article that you can use:

We'd like to inform you of legislation being considered by lawmakers that could help students lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. The comprehensive health education bill, An Act Providing Health Education in Schools, seeks to ensure that all Massachusetts public school students receive comprehensive health education.

The Department of Education (DOE) created a comprehensive health education framework as part of education reform in the early 90's. The DOE recommends that every school district implement this framework, however, they have no mechanism to enforce compliance unless health education becomes part of the core curriculum.

Health education saves lives. Adding health education to the core curriculum affords students the opportunity to learn about a wide range of important topics such as: nutrition and fitness, mental health, safety and injury prevention, reproduction and sexuality, substance abuse prevention, and violence prevention.

There is a statewide coalition of groups that have partnered to form CARE (Coalition Advocating Responsible Education) for Youth, a coalition dedicated to advocating for comprehensive health education in the public schools. Over 100 organizations that represent a wide range of health, prevention, safety and education issues such as (add a few names of coalition members) have joined this campaign. CARE for Youth is working to make health education a reality for all public school students.

If you would like to assist CARE for Youth with their efforts, please visit careforyouthma.org to find out how students can get involved!