July 5, 2011

Two organizations pitting art against drug-taking in schools shared the spotlight last Thursday night in an observance of the United Nation's Day Against Drugs, officially 26 June. They agreed on a key point – give young people the truth about drugs, and they will make correct decisions on their own.

"It's not just a matter of preference," said Meghan Fialkoff, New York Director of the Foundation for a Drug Free World, who was hosting the event, "Getting kids the truth is the only thing effective in keeping them off drugs."

Fialkoff was introducing an exhibition of photos by the Thomas Murphy Clubhouse, part of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club (at http://www.madisonsquare.org/) in collaboration with photographer Robert Northway. The photos give a unique take on the attitudes of teens on this subject.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World at http://www.drugfreeworld.org/, perhaps the largest non-governmental anti-drug program in the world, uses edgy public service announcements, booklets and videos to inform kids about the truth about drugs, again so they make their own decisions. The organization is an international initiative by the Church of Scientology.

Robin Cook, who directed the anti-drug project for the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club, spoke about the importance of fighting drug use among teenagers, and received the Drug-Free Hero Award for her work.

Fialkoff also spoke in support of the UN's work against the trafficking of illicit drugs.

Friday night's event was the opening of an exhibition of Thomas Murphy photographs, which were on display through June 30 at 227 West 46th Street. The Drug-Free World materials were also be on display, and booklets and videos will continue to be available to visitors during business hours.

Church of Scientology New York