Amanda Herman

This week’s LWPC Spotlight features probation officer and coalition member, Amanda Herman

Why do you feel passionate about the youth in our community?

Amanda: As a probation officer, I see many teens make choices that land them in the criminal justice system. These choices can affect their lives later when applying for college or jobs. I enjoy motivating teens to make good choices.

Why do you feel strongly that the youth in our community should be alcohol, tobacco and drug free?

Amanda: There are physical, emotional, social, and aspirational risks involved when youth use alcohol or drugs. Physical risk includes addiction. Emotional risk includes acting inappropriately or even getting depressed. Social risk includes disappointing family and friends or possibly losing friends. Aspirational risk includes losing a job, getting in trouble with the law, or poor grades due to use.

In your own words, tell what the Lake of the Woods County Prevention Coalition does.

Amanda: The Coalition meets monthly to discuss a plan/process we would like to implement to encourage community action on preventing underage alcohol, tobacco and drug use among youth in our community.

Do you feel the Coalition and its strategies will in fact accomplish its vision of creating a community culture that empowers youth to be alcohol, tobacco and drug free?

Amanda: Yes. We are off to a great start by letting Lake of the Woods community members know that we are all ready for change! Through the work of the coalition, I hope that we are able to correct misperceptions of underage alcohol, tobacco and drug use in Lake of the Woods. Together we can build positive community norms which, I assure you, already exist in our community of Lake of the Woods.

How and why would you encourage other people in the community to support the efforts of the Lake of the Woods County Prevention Coalition?

Amanda: We need everyone to play an active role in the efforts of the Coalition. Remember in our daily lives, no matter how many different duties or jobs or hats we put on in one day… “Are we Busy or Are we Effective”? I hope this motivates you to get involved!

The Lake of the Woods County Prevention Coalition is funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division. If you would like to find out more about the Coalition or perhaps become a member of the coalition, please contact Tammie Doebler or Joyce Washburn by calling the Lake of the Woods School, 1-218-634-2510 ext. 1100, or visit the website at www.lwpcstory.com.