am either not that bright or just so anxious to taste victory. I became involved on the national and international levels. I resigned from National Coalition of Legalized Gambling when they changed their mission. I felt that they were on the wrong track and just could not compromise my own beliefs, position, integrity and credibility. I still do email networking on the gambling issue and help when and where I can, just as I do with the alcohol and other drugs. The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, had words which are so wise for all people regardless of their beliefs. They run around in my head when I get discouraged. I believe that God used him to help people see the possibilities of positive social change. He said: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” Can you imagine the world if we all lived those words? I hope to live to see this. IH: How are Drug Prevention Week and the Alcohol Awareness Month organized? Who usually participates in them? DMB: Awareness Month is April. It is up to the various groups and individuals who work on this issue to take on projects that they believe are important. I have usually used the opportunity to educate through distributing informational brochures. Some organizations sponsor screenings for addiction. Others may have special alcohol-free events. For Red Ribbon Week, it’s the schools that take the lead. There are two Sundays in Red Ribbon Week which faith groups and others could use to address the drug issue. When I chaired our county group, we worked together and our local group decorated the town square with large red ribbons on the trees to call attention to drug issue. Over the years, I have used these two opportunities to spread information that just may help prevent or stop someone from using alcohol or the other drugs. As a member of our denomination’s church and society, I have provided flyers, brochures, window clings, etc., at our conferences. Other opportunities are when there is focus on domestic violence, prisons, etc. IH: Do you participate in any health fair locally/or otherwise organized to pass on your message? DMB: When I first got involved in the issue of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, our
community group participated in health fairs. They were very useful experiences. Over the years, I have made educational materials available to individuals and groups on my network. Some of them do participate in health fairs as well as other events such as county fairs, faith related events, etc. My email network has helped me reach people who do participate in health fairs and other events. In keeping them well informed, they can use that information in reaching others. Many of them have their own email networks and sites allowing the “ripple” effect. IH: What hurdles do you encounter? Do you think you have had any impact? DMB: One of the hurdles is to get people away from the usual debates about the use of alcohol and other drugs, which only seem to divert attention from the real issue about what the real use of any drug should be, and that is for a legitimate medical reason when drug-free methods are not effective. Another is having people be led like sheep by the booze producers and pushers with their slick and less than honest advertising. For far too many, the legality of alcohol and, now in some states, marijuana, is used to disguise the harm of these drugs. Every time I get an opportunity, I try to reinforce good adult behavior by complimenting them. It is great to see parents out with their children and not having alcohol. I have made at least a small difference. One of the young adults from our congregation moved away and found a church with a
ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2014
young adult group. When he came back to visit his family, he made it a point to share with me that this young adult group had social events and none involved alcohol. My personal experience is that a window cling is a great way to start conversations as well as send a message. For example, one man was pumping gas when I was and complimented me on my window clings. He was an addiction counselor. Of course, I had some in my trunk and asked him if he would like some. Supposedly, bumper stickers on cars will reach 25,000 people. There have been many other examples but needless to say, there are millions who haven’t gotten the message. This crusade is not over unfortunately. IH: Any joy in doing what you are doing? Any regrets? Any hope? DMB: My greatest reward is meeting either in person or via the Internet some of God’s most caring people who are willing to give time and effort to this issue. When I have had down moments, there has been what I call “divine intervention” by someone sent into my life who cares about these issues too. Regrets? Yes. Alcohol use is still causing unnecessary injuries, deaths, violence and other crimes, etc., and babies born with FASD. Alcohol is the only cause of alcohol problems. My hope is that people become less gullible and are not easily seduced by the glitzy, less than truthful advertising for vices.
■
Asmaou Diallo is a Maryland-based freelance journalist.
31