THE WALGREENS EXPRESSIONS CHALLENGE
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago's and our nation's future depend on the integrity of young people across the region who will be tomorrow's future leaders; and
WHEREAS, The Walgreen Company has established the Walgreen's Expressions Challenge to promote healthy, responsible reflections and decisions among young people; and
WHEREAS, The Walgreen's Expressions Challenge is a contest established for high school teens, ages 14 through 18, that engages them in constructive peer conversation about healthy choices on topics including sexting, self-esteem, teen pregnancy, STD prevention, abstinence, and sexual responsibility and awareness; and
WHEREAS, 19% of Chicago teens between the ages of 15 and 19 have had sexual intercourse with four or more persons. These youths have the dubious distinction of ranking first in the nation for the highest rates of gonorrhea and second highest for chlamydia; and
WHEREAS, It is obvious that teens still face many challenges when it comes to having open and productive conversations about sexual health with their parents, teachers and other adult figures in their lives. Such worthwhile conversations are very much needed so that teens might effect positive changes in their sexual behavior; and
WHEREAS, More than 50,000 teens have been affected in the six years the Walgreen's Expression Challenge has been held in Chicago. The "Challenge" has awarded over $100,000 in cash and prizes to winners, entrants, teachers, schools and organizations; and
WHEREAS, Walgreen's Expression Challenge is supported by the collaboration of partners that include the Chicago Public Schools, the Sex-Ed Loop and the Red Rump Project; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Carrie M. Austin, the Chair of the Budget and Government Operations Committee and Alderman of the 34th Ward, has apprised this august body of the vital mission the Walgreen's Expression Challenge has undertaken; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the ...
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