The national PRIDE (Parent Resources Institute for Drug Education) organization was started 30 years ago in Atlanta by two parents who wanted to educate other parents on drug issues. It soon evolved into an organization for youth who wanted to live a safe and drug-free lifestyle. There are over 3500 students involved in PRIDE Youth Programs in the United States. The Bethel Park Department of Recreation and  Leisure Services organized the Bethel Park team in 1992 in response to a need  for teen programs. We are a cooperative effort of the Bethel Park School District and the Municipality of Bethel Park.

PRIDE's mission is to educate, promote, and support drug-free youth who care for the safety and  health of self, peers, family, and community.

PRIDE is a leader in the drug prevention field with innovative programs that encourage youth to take the lead in drug and violence prevention. Parents, caring adults, and community  members offer guidance and support.

There are four components to the PRIDE program: Drug Education, Community Service, Community Outreach, and Alternate Activities.

Drug Education - Members will constantly update their drug education through speakers, training,  and insightful discussions of current events. The Bethel Park Police Department  is one source of education for our team. We also have a Team Building Day during  the school year with a drug education component.
Community  Service - Members are expected to participate in a variety of projects, planned by team members, throughout the year. We have a bi-monthly commitment to the Bethel Park Teen Center. In exchange for our chaperone help, we are permitted to run the  concession stand and use those profits for team expenses. Other organizations we  have helped or supported are: Washington City Mission, Homeless Children and  Families, Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Department, Friends of Danang,  etc.
Community Outreach - Members present drug education  programs to school and community audiences using music, dance, and drama. In addition to school visits, we perform at Community Day, annual Veterans Day  Memorial Service, and plan a week of activities for Red Ribbon Week in October.
Alternative Activities - Members plan drug-free activities for themselves, their friends, and, on occasion, for the community. These  activities are well attended because drug and alcohol use are non-issues. We host an annual "Back to School" swim party for current and graduated members,  holiday parties, movie outings, etc.

Each spring, PRIDE of Bethel Park attends the PRIDE World Drug Prevention Conference. The 2007 conference will be held in Charleston, West Virginia. This fun-filled, educational conference is for both youth and adults. It provides a forum and ideas for hundreds of organizations that are fighting against drugs. During the four-day program, participants have the opportunity to choose from over 100 workshops on more than 20 topics ranging from prevention to treatment.  In General Sessions, they hear positive messages from dynamic speakers. A special awards banquet honors teams and individuals for their work and  commitment to drug prevention. In the last nine years, PRIDE of Bethel Park has  received seven Youth of the Year Awards, two Family of the Year Awards, one Advisor of the Year, two Innovative Program Awards, in 2000 and 2006, and the coveted PRIDE  2001 International Team of the Year Award.

The team sends a bi-monthly  newsletter with a calendar of events and other information. We also rely on email for timely communication.

Members are required to pay $10 dues to the national organization each fall. This membership entitles them to the lowest rate for conference and product discounts. To take advantage of available  discounts, members are encouraged to pay the conference registration fee in late  September. Registration at that time is about $200 with the early discount. Before leaving for conference they must pay for their hotel room (generally 4 to  a room @ $150 each) and transportation costs.

Each members has his/her own "PRIDE account", maintained by the adult advisors, to save earned money for conference and other possible expenses. We have Sarris candy bars and  pretzels available to sell year round. A member's PRIDE account is assessed the wholesale price of the bars ($12) at the time he/she takes them to sell. When the bars are sold and the money turned in to the team ($24), his/her account will reflect a profit ($12). All candy must be paid for before leaving for conference. Members may opt to forgo any fundraising and pay expenses out-of-pocket.

PRIDE of Bethel Park does not receive any funding from the municipality or the school district. Members are responsible for their conference expenses.