We brought a motivational/inspirational speaker Tom Boz to present at 4 different venues including our elementary school, high school, community event as well as our outlining villages of Chenega Bay and Tatitlek. This project sent a positive message to the community on the topics we were trying to promote which were peer pressure, self-respect and saying no to bullying, drugs and alcohol. It was nice to let the community to hear this information from a different source rather than local providers.
I know every community was very welcoming and excited to have someone new providing this information. It was great to have the presentations interactive with magic. The participants of all ages love them. One in particular stuck in my mind that touched me deeply. We had a 6 year old who has lived an abusive and alcohol, drug affected family all his life. He came to every presentation and was glued to the speaker. You could see him soaking in everything this speaker was saying. The second night when he came he brought his friends 3-4 other students, (these children are also living the same lifestyle as our first student). They too clung to every word that was said. At the end the speaker asked if there were any questions and this student said, “How can I help my mom & brother to stop using and be with someone safe” Tears just rolled down my face. This poor child so desperately wanted to help his mom and brother. All the money that was spent made it worth it in that one moment. The speaker has changed this child’s life and hopefully helped break that horrible cycle.
