Welcome Minnesota D.A.R.E. Parents, Families, and Friends!

The first page, in the binders I give our new board of director members, has one statement that has always been powerful to me.  I put it there as a reminder to the people who have been chosen to lead our organization.  Today I am putting it on this first official blog, as a powerful statement to the adults, who care for and lead our Minnesota young people.

“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.”

                                             -Ralph Waldo Emerson-

We need to remember this everyday; we are the role models for our children.  What we say is meaningless, if what we do overshadows it.

This Fourth of July weekend, show your children and family, how to be and act responsibly.  Show them how much you value living in a free country and how much you appreciate those who served and sacrificed to give us this freedom.  Show them the importance of family and friends.  Show them how to be kind and loving to others. Show them how much they are loved.  Speak loudly with your actions!

Have a great weekend and be safe!

Kathi Ackerman, MSW, LGSW, LADC

Executive Director, Minnesota D.A.R.E., Inc.