Dear Youth and Young Adult Leader:

Greetings from the United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV).We have exciting plans for youth and young adult ministry in 2008 with the launch of a global movement titled Had Enough.We need your help in identifying youth/young adults to provide leadership in our planning for this effort.

Had Enough was formerly a resource of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a secular advocacy organization located in Washington, DC that works on alcohol and other drug issues. CSPI is a partner of SPSARV and the General Board of Church and Society. The aim of the resource was to change the culture of tolerance around binge drinking on college campuses by providing materials and strategies for students who had "had enough." SPSARV has acquired the Had Enough resource, and has expanded its scope. We envision Had Enough as a faith-based movement for United Methodist young people around the world to respond to the broader issues of alcohol and other drugs and the violence that is often associated with them.

To kick off the Had Enough movement, SPSARV seeks to develop a small leadership council that will meet to create the foundations of the new initiative. Strong leadership from young people in the development of Had Enough is key to beginning this grassroots movement.

The leadership council will consist of highly recommended youth and young adults from the United States, Europe, Africa, Philippines and Latin America. The Committee will set the agenda and provide insight into the youth and young adult perspective on the issue of substance abuse. We request that you please refer young adults who you know to be committed, responsible, and active in the Church to join this team. Attached find a description of the responsibilities along with the application to serve on the leadership council. The leadership council membership should be at least 18 years of age, although youth and young adults of all ages will have also have an opportunity to contribute.

From the applicant pool, SPSARV will select up to 12 young people to serve the leadership council. The young people selected for this exploratory team will have the opportunity to serve The United Methodist Church as well as develop leadership skills and experience as they enter college and/or employment.

Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns or feedback that you would like to provide. Your referral of youth and young adults with the desire and commitment to participate in this exciting movement is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help with this effort.

Sincerely,

Chad Bumgardner
Program Associate