The Noon Optimist Club of Galveston has sponsored C.H.I.C.K.E.N. Club in Galveston schools since 1986. This is an anti-drug program designed to help kids "just say no" to drugs through positive peer pressure. The successful development of this program early on was due to the vision of a club member from La Marque, Texas. Dr. Dan Eames read about the concept, tried it in his home club, then promoted it to other nearby clubs. Within a short time, he had the whole District endorsing this proven program.
We introduce the students to C.H.I.C.K.E.N Club at an early age where it is proved most effective. This is in elementary school level, preferably in fourth grade. If their parent(s) signs the permission slip after reading the letter, the student receives a C.H.I.C.K.E.N Club T-shirt. These are to be worn in school on designated C.H.I.C.K.E.N Club days.
Once a month during the school year, a scheduled program is presented to all the C.H.I.C.K.E.N Club members. It is usually a fun activity such as art or recreation. On the serious side, they do practice the mantra which keys on being "chicken and not interested in drugs." They all know that C.H.I.C.K.E.N stands for "Cool Honest Intelligent Clear-headed Keen Energetic and Not interested in drugs!" It can get pretty loud at times when they recite this important, maybe life saving acronym!
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