In the national spotlight, but under local radar, ten Bend teens are
working hard against $12 billion in annual junk food marketing aimed at
their generation.† They're tired of being labeled the most overweight
and unfit generation ever. After working hard for over a year, our
teens recently formed the non profit, Get Outta My Face.
Using filmmaking and digital skills (websites, video, YouTube, Blogs,
Chat rooms, podcasts) they've begun to counter the 24/7 junk food
marking that's created a high sugar -high fat addicted culture.† Their
premise - if kids are aware of the clever tactics behind non-healthy
food ads then those same kids will make smarter choices. Recognizing
that online "advergames" hold more than 2 million young people for over
an hour DAILY, they have created a slide show for grades 4-8 to share
in local schools.† That same slide show can then be used by interested
students to share with peers and family (it's online) - creating
service learning opportunities for many.
Just this week ABC interviewed Team Get Outta My Face project and are
pitching the concept of doing a feature program on the teens.† National
agencies laud the professionalism and creativity of our Bend teens.†
Take a look at their website www.get-outta-my-face.com, click on their
video links - you'll be impressed.
In Oregon we're trying hard to help kids stay fit and healthy.† While
millions are being thrown at the problem, ten local teens have begun a
grass roots movement that could lead to a national solution. They will
collaborate with existing teen, film, arts programs. They have online
project ideas that use digital technology, art, graphics, communication
and collaborative skills (http://gomfcreative.blogspot.com ) Lesson
plans are available.
Their goal is to collect at least 10,000 projects made by kids for
kids - again, check their website.† Youth using imagination, digital
skills and passion for a cause can do what the experts cannot. Those
youth will have the momentum to create a cool-factor for smart choices
in food, beverages and lifestyle.
These teens are right here in Oregon. If they impact even a handful of
Oregon youth to make smart choices they could help our health care
system save substantially. Please learn what they're doing and support
them by suggesting grants or including them in existing projects before
December 2007.† After that the teens will be heavily scheduled editing
their documentary film. It will be on the scale of† AN INCONVENIENT
TRUTH.† It can put our community and our youth in the national
spotlight as an example of social entrepreneurship of the highest
level.
