It has come to my attention recently that many well intentioned, credible organizations and agencies may not have thought about the implications when planning an event, program or fundraiser. There have been many examples of agencies that work with children, support children, promote family values or collaborate with other agencies, hosting events where alcohol and tobacco use is allowed and accepted.
I realize that it is important for the community to support local businesses. However, it is also important for community leaders and members to not send “mixed messages.” Research shows the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Until our elected officials address the importance of a comprehensive smoke-free air ordinance it is imperative that supporters step up and support establishments that are 100 percent smoke-free. This means scheduling business meetings, parties and other gatherings in these venues.
Alcohol research supports the fact that domestic abuse and child abuse in our county has a direct correlation to alcohol and drug use. Does it make sense to allow alcohol consumption or bier gardens at events that are publicized as family-centered or are held to support agencies whose mission is to protect the health and well-being of children and families?
If you are promoting activities relating to children or families, please consider these requests. Ensure that the venue you select is alcohol and tobacco free. Ensure that funding sources, prizes, and advertising placement are free of alcohol and tobacco messages. Ensure that donated materials come from donors that promote healthy, smoke-free life styles.
Please reflect on my comments, and when planning your next event bear in mind that a completely smoke-free venue is your healthiest choice.
Karesa Knight-Wilkerson
Executive Director
Healthy, Tobacco-Free Madison County Inc.
Letters
Letter: Choose wisely for family event venues
Community leaders and members should not send 'mixed messages'
- Letters
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Letter: Public should have say on library space
As taxpayers, does the public have no say-so what happens with their tax dollars? With some proper schedule management, those existing meeting rooms can fulfill everyone’s needs.
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Letter: Election fraud tales turn voters away
Columnist Maureen Hayden asked, “Why did 3 million Hoosiers choose not to vote?” She gave a few reasons but I can think of another one.
How about election fraud? -
Letter: Elected officials should buy insurance
I may be wrong but I thought the city and county were hurting for money, and that’s why services keep getting cut or eliminated. One thing is evident. There is no shortage of money for lawsuits.
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Letter: Source of inequality is not economic
The truth of the collapse of a living-wage economy for working-class America is a social catastrophe and, increasingly, a severe embarrassment to free-market ideology.
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Letter: America following road to tyranny
Global elitists behind our government have methodically been guiding our government toward the New World Order.
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Letter: Let’s work through the problems
On May 14 I attended the county council meeting in hopes that I could understand what is happening in the legislative branch of our Madison County government. What I saw was politics at its worst and I cannot applaud either party.
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Letter: Columnist Brown ignores truth
It’s hard to understand why The Herald Bulletin carries columns by Susan Stamper Brown, who has such a blatant disregard for truth in her conservative propaganda.
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Letter: Taxpayers should thank the ‘few’
Are those who worry about the loss of the wheel tax concerned about the roads or about their jobs? Most of them could care less about people’s needs.
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Letter: Government officials should answer to us
We, the people, have allowed government officials to lead us into the crazy one world order. But, is it working? Well, look at the results.
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Viewpoint: Schools, volunteers reach out to pre-kindergartners, parents
On behalf of Born Learning Connection as service of the United Way of Madison County, I would like to thank all Madison County elementary schools for their generous support in making Blast Off to Kindergarten a countywide success.
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Letter: Public should have say on library space
