Student Group Tackles Substance Abuse at Minnesota School

Students at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Middle and High School in Minnesota are actively working to change the narrative around substance use, specifically vaping, alcohol, and marijuana. Through the efforts of the RISE Club, a student-led initiative, the rate of vaping among their peers has dramatically decreased from 24% to 7% over a span of four and a half years. The club’s mission is to promote responsible behavior and challenge the misconception that substance use is common among students.

Founded nearly five years ago, the RISE Club stands for “responsible students striving for excellence.” Club president Oliva Iverson emphasized the importance of their campaign, stating, “We focus on promoting positive community norms in hopes to end vaping inside of our school.” The club, which includes about 45 students in high school and 15 students in middle school, aims to communicate that the majority of their peers choose not to engage in substance use.

Changing Perceptions and Building Community

The club’s efforts are rooted in spreading accurate statistics about substance use. According to Jason McCoy, the Clay County Positive Norms Coordinator, many students believe “everyone is doing it,” which can pressure them into trying substances. The most recent survey revealed that 93% of students do not vape, 92% do not consume alcohol, and 95% do not use cannabis. This information is crucial for helping students realize that they do not need to partake in substance use to fit in.

To reinforce their message, the RISE Club utilizes posters, murals, and T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Rebels unite.” During events like homecoming week, students wear these shirts to promote their campaign. Member Katherine Anderson noted the popularity of the shirts, stating, “I’d say half the kids are wearing a shirt like that instead of our homecoming shirts, which you have to buy.”

In addition to awareness campaigns, the club organizes social events, such as a street fair after the homecoming game, featuring food trucks, a bouncy house, and face painting. Iverson explained that these gatherings provide safe alternatives for students, promoting healthy decision-making.

Funding and Community Impact

The RISE Club operates through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division, which amounts to $180,000 annually. Over five years, this funding totals $900,000, managed by Clay County Public Health. The grant supports the club’s initiatives and educational programs aimed at reducing substance use.

The group also extends its influence beyond the school by advocating for public health measures, such as a ban on flavored tobacco products. Although the Clay County Commission initially rescinded a proposed ban, it eventually prohibited the sale of vaping products in county-licensed stores. Iverson, who voiced her opinions during public hearings, recognized the complexity of addressing substance use issues. She expressed hope that the ban would limit students’ access to vaping products, making it more challenging to acquire them.

Despite their progress, club member Arwa Baghzali reminded her peers that there is still work to be done. “I feel like we focus on, yes, 93%, we got to that number, but we also need to remember the 7%,” she stated, underscoring the club’s ongoing commitment to address substance use and support their fellow students.

The efforts of the RISE Club at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Middle and High School illustrate the power of student-led initiatives in shaping a healthier community and altering perceptions regarding substance use among young people.