Initial Proposal

The youth can make a sizable difference in our "paradoxical world of both isolation and interconnection." (Aronson, Technology and Dramaturgical Development, p. 192) Unfortunately, this is a generation addicted to escape. "Each week in Washington State, an average of two young people die by suicide and another 17 suicide attempts result in hospitalization." Youth Suicide Prevention Program, YSPP.org) Illicit drug abuse within one month of polling has risen in 8th grade children from 7.4% to 9.5%, just from 2007 to 2010. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA.org) Whether it comes in the for of drugs, eating obsessions, sex, media overload, or suicide, young people everywhere are desperate for a way out of their minds. If we continue to keep these topics tucked away in the closet the mess will only grow bigger until it bursts through the door and confronts us head on. But if we choose not to discuss them with our children for the sake of our own comfort, are we at least empowering them with the information to make informed and responsible decisions?

This is a proposal to conduct a study on the requirements, accessibility, accuracy, and effectiveness of drug and sex education in the United States public school system. I am curios as to why these factos vary so widely from state to state and even down to the school district. Who makes the decisions as to what information and type of education is available to which students? How much of this education is provided bu the public school system versus outside social programs? How much funding do these program recieve and from whom? What are the trens of students who are sexually active and are there studies that show data supporting the success of current education policy? What are the trends of students who use drugs and are there studies the show data supporting the success of current education policy? Are students provided with education on the danger of over the counter drugs? How aware are parents of the status of their child's sexual activity and current drug use? Are parents taking responsibility in participating in their children's education of safe sex practices and the dangers of drug use?

"The aim of the Humanities and Sciences department is to inspire curiosity about the world, cultivate civic awareness and foster the habits necessary for life-long learning." Education our youth on safe sex practices and the dangers of drug use cultivates awareness of self-behavior and that of the growing population. A healthy mind and body is critical for life-long learning and artistic contribution.

As a final project I will create an age appropriate performance art piece focused on the education of safe sex practices and the dangers of drug use. This piece will include digital media projection, music, movement, and live dramatic performance. The goal of this project is to engage students while providing them with accurate information on these topics. After the performance a symposium will be held with the students to discuss the effectiveness of the presentation, their reactions to the information, and to answer any further questions they might have. The goal of this symposium is to create a vennue for students to share with each other and health faculty about how much sexual activity and drug use play a part in their reality and inform schools on how to stay current in the education of these very important topics.

Performance art transcends the barriers of language, connecting us with the universality of our basic human needs. Through the empowerment of an accurate and attention grabbing education, our young people will be as prepared as possible to take on a lifetime of challenging decisions that can hold dire consequences. In order to break out of the conditioning of a country obsessed with hiding from its problems, we need to find a way to kick apathy in the ass.