New Canaan Ram Council Hosts Forums
The Ram Council Foundation Inc. has kicked off its eighth year in New Canaan, promoting substance-free living and healthy decision-making for teens.
The group’s mission-based tagline is “Leadership, Responsibility, and Citizenship: Teens for Substance Free Living,” and it has an open enrollment for interested New Canaan high schoolers.
The nonprofit holds monthly meetings for members, private parent/member forums, townwide educational events, weekend substance free activities, an annual parent night/award ceremony, an end-of-the-year celebration and its annual gala and dance party. There are also summer internship opportunities, which provide vast training in planning the council’s happenings. The organization also shows solidarity and attends the annual Overdose Awareness Vigil held in New Canaan each summer, in an effort to raise awareness about addiction.
The Ram Council hosted its first Fathers Forum on parenting teens on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9:30 to 10:30 a,m, in the Lamb Room at the New Canaan Library, located at 151 Main St. in Town.
Additionally, the nonprofit has teamed with the organization New Canaan CARES, and the New Canaan Parent Support Group to sponsor “Vaping 101,” a timely forum for tweens and teens in grades 6 to 12, parents and professionals with Dr. Stephen Dewey as the speaker. That event took place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Wagner Room of New Canaan High School located at 11 Farm Road. Both events were free.
The council meets year-round, with weekend meetings for a dedicated Executive Team.
The council also consists of 102 New Canaan teens, and has a goal of reaching 150 members and expanding its substance-free activities. Members also have already enjoyed a hibachi night, a taco outing and a Parent/Member Night, which was attended by 100 people.
New Canaan First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said the community should be know about the vast benefits Ram Council provides local youth. He is extremely supportive of the group as he attends their meetings, forums and annual galas.
Members partake in public speaking, business and event planning, marketing, volunteerism, pitching sponsors and beyond. In addition, they benefit from education forums (often featuring guest speakers) addressing money management, communication, nutrition, exercise, boosting physical health, balancing academics and extracurriculars, transitioning to college, networking for teens, job preparation and of course, substance abuse prevention.
“We are excited to launch another year that provides relevant forums, interesting activities and a strong community for New Canaan families,” Ram Council Foundation President Joyce Sixsmith said. “It is a delight to witness the members’ dedication to our mission and each other.”
To obtain more information about the Ram Council Foundation email Sixsmith at joyce.sixsmith@ramcouncil.org or visit ramcouncil.org/donate to make a donation.
