ACLC-Montana: 13th Annual March Against Drugs and Violence
“The Holy Spirit Keeps Moving Across the Community”
Over 400 young people, civic, church and political leaders participated in Billings, Montana’s thirteenth annual March Against Drugs and Violence on June 12th. Originally founded by ACLC clergy in 1998 with about a dozen youth, a handful of parents and two clergy, the annual march has grown into a citywide community event and is recognized by the state as the largest event of its kind. There is no other way to explain the participation, passion and presence of so many great people for a great cause than due to the hand of God. As our Governor Brian Schweitzer wrote, “Dear Mike: Lt. Governor John Bohlinger and I are pleased to offer our support to the 13th annual March Against Drugs and Violence. I believe this effort to stop drug abuse and violence will be a tremendous asset to the community and the state of Montana.”
As of many minor miracles, the angels kept the rain from falling as clouds threatened the day. Planned months in advance and co sponsored by the Montana American Clergy Leadership Conference, Boys and Girls Clubs of Yellowstone Country, United Way: Roots of Promise, DUI Taskforce, the Family Church, Billings Police Department, Tumbleweed Teen Runaway Program, Rimrock Foundation, Passages, Elks Lodge and several other community organizations and churches, the turnout this year was exceptional. We broke our goal of 400 participants. Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock commented, “Welcome to the 2010 March Against Drugs and Violence…Thanks for your efforts to raise awareness about drug addiction, and to support a healthy, drug free lifestyle in your community.”
The program began with an enthusiastic group at the Courthouse Lawn. Pastor Mike Yakawich of the ACLC, Brian Dennis of Boys and Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County and Kristin Lundgren director of the United Way: Roots of Promise were M.C.'s for the program. The event began with music in the background from the Limited Warranty Band.
A wonderful prayer was given by Evangelist Eunice Terry (co-chair of Montana ACLC). Her prayer was firm as she stated, “We seek His guidance and wisdom in addressing the drugs, racial and gang violence in our city.” Native Drummers from Crow Nation called all to gather as they played their honoring song. We were especially fortunate to have the Montana State Secretary Linda McCulloch as our key note speaker. She praised our march and recognized it as “one of the largest anti drug and anti violence events in the state”. She uplifted all with words of encouragement and determination expressing, “Alcohol abuse, Methamphetamines and other drugs, fighting in the streets and in our homes. Lost children and mommies and daddies. Pain. Tears. One day, the fight against drugs and violence will end. Until then, I’m happy to march beside my fellow Montanans.”
Our new Mayor Tom Hanel was then invited to welcome all on behalf of the city of Billings. It was great moment for Pastor Mike to invite Mayor Hanel as they both vied for the position of Mayor of Billings just a year ago. The Mayor praised the work of the march and its importance.
Preceding this were encouraging words of praise and pride by Deputy Chief O’Connell. He commented, “When you’re dong the walk, walk tall, keep your chin up and be proud of what you’re out here representing today.”
Our march then began lead by the Young Marines and the Boy Scout Troop #7 under the leadership of Mr. Chad Martin. The entire group of marchers walked about one mile around the downtown Billings. Billing Police Department bike patrol guided the group providing safety and traffic stops all along the way. It was especially inspiring for many to walk in the middle of 27th Street, the busiest street downtown. The marchers blew horns along with the Elks Club Anti-Drug mascot, “Elroy,” walking the entire distance.
The group then arrived back to the Courthouse Lawn to another waiting group of non-marchers (who were unable to march due to health issues or etc.) and music by the band for the main event. Dr. Dennis Briggs, another co-chair of Montana ACLC and elder of the Chapel of the Diamond Hope, lead the entire audience in prayer over the meal and success in our work. As people proceeded to a wonderful barbecue on the lawn provided by many volunteers, we had some wonderful inspirational speakers.
These speakers included State Senator Roy Brown, Bob Hillard of the Elks Lodge and representatives of U.S. Senator Jon Tester. Senator Tester stated in his letter “The best way to confront illegal drugs and violence is to work together to keep them out of our lives. To open the lines of communication. And to reach out to those who need help. That’s what’s happening at this march. Montanans—and all Americans—appreciate and admire what you’re doing.”
Our other sponsors included Signs Etc., Coca Cola, Meadow Gold, Southside IGA, who donated or gave at cost a great deal of refreshments, ice-cream and food for the barbecue. Many sponsors brought volunteers to help cook and offer background support. Mrs. DiLorenzo, Mrs. Yakawich, Mrs. Thiessen and many volunteers did an excellent job barbequing and serving food to all.
The local media was a fantastic support for our annual event. The local CBS and NBC affiliates did interviews with us earlier in the week. The Billings Gazette (www.billingsgazette.com) printed an outstanding article with photo in the Enjoy on Thursday, June 10th. That night the local NBC ran a wonderful interview with Pastor Mike. The next day the Billings Gazette reported, “Standing Against Drugs, Violence: Reverend tells group that event started small 13 years ago.”
(http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_13acce48-76ae-11df-b8d1-001cc4c03286.html)
We find such events provide a positive model to address such issues as drugs and violence, an opportunity is provided to present sound information for the participants to deal with these serious issues, and a showing that organizations can work together to find common ground and teamwork. In addition, personally, the events show the community that ACLC is willing to roll up our sleeves and invest through community service. U.S. Senator Max Baucus office under Jim Corson, City Councilman Jim Ronquillo and Commissioner Kennedy and other speakers publicly recognized ACLC for taking leadership in this successful community event.
You could sense a real community atmosphere. Guests were sitting in the park, listening to the speakers and musical as well as talking with each other. There were many children with their parents. We had several races, faiths, and cultures represented. The weather was fantastic. We handed out 250 free tee shirts, ice-cream, hundreds of hotdogs and refreshments. There were several door prizes given included three bikes, potted plants and many 'give aways' provided by Wal-Mart, Kmart, United Way and Costco.
People are always so grateful for a positive event for such serious issues. It is inspiring to plan such events and rub elbows with the police department, county and city youth organizations, local churches and neighborhood groups. The ACLC membership is especially inspired to not just have meetings every month, but to go out together in the community and work together on some important social issues. As Maggie Lough stated who is with Not In Our Town, “Your investment in the community is a slow step by step process but I see how much it is growing and blessing our community.”
We are especially grateful for the inspiration by our Father Moon’s incredible example of living for the greater good that encourages us and inspires us to do the same. As on this serious drug and social issues Father Moon’s words echo in our hearts, “The Church should save the area and the country in which it is located.”
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Reverend tells group that event started small 13 years ago
Standing against drugs, violence
The lead marchers carry the sign for the 13th annual Community March Against Drugs and Violence past City Hall on Saturday.The lead marchers carry the sign for the 13th annual Community March Against Drugs & Violence past City Hall Saturday, June 12, 2010.
About 200 people marched in downtown Billings on Saturday to take a stand against drugs and violence. And even more people joined them on the Yellowstone County Courthouse lawn to hear a number of speakers talk about the importance of taking such a stand. The march itself took the adults and youth on a nine-block walk, starting and ending at the courthouse. Some marchers carried banners as they walked along, while others tooted horns. A few youths rode skateboards or scooters, and at least one dog walked along on a leash.
On the courthouse lawn, the Rev. Mike Yakawich, one of the founders of the march, told the crowd that things were much different the first time the march took place. “We started 13 years ago with nine kids and about two parents and a couple of ministers,” he said, expressing excitement at the number that turned out on Saturday. Secretary of State Linda McCulloch said she couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. “Most of us, if not all of us, know someone who has been affected by violence,” she said. McCulloch said that on her desk, she keeps a Montana State Prison rap sheet for one of her former students. It’s to remind her how drugs and violence hurt young people. “Every single day I look at that and I recommit myself to making sure it does not continue to happen,” she said. She led the crowd in a series of statements to which they answered “no more!”
“Alcohol abuse. Methamphetamines and other drugs,” McCulloch said. “Fighting in the streets and in our homes. Lost children and mommies and daddies. Pain. Tears. “One day, the fight against drugs and violence will end,” she said. “Until then, I’m happy to march beside my fellow Montanans.” Billings Mayor Tom Hanel told the audience that the strength of a community will determine the success of a community, and he added that Billings is a strong community. “We’re here today celebrating 13 years of this program displaying the energy, the enthusiasm, the care and the concern for the community of Billings and our youth,” he said.
Billings Police Deputy Chief Tim O’Connell said the walk through the downtown streets reminded him of walking a beat “back in the old day.” “When you’re doing the walk, walk tall, keep your chin up and be proud of what you’re out here representing today,” he said. State Sen. Roy Brown told his audience that children today are being bombarded with images of drugs and violence on TV, in the media and on the Internet. They even have to walk by marijuana stores on the way to school, he said. It’s for those reasons Brown said he participates every year in the march. It’s one way to get parents and kids talking about such an important topic. “Because I know that that’s what this is going to do,” he said. “It’s going to help people talk about this with their families and friends around the kitchen table. That’s where we’re going to make real change. That’s where we can really help our kids in this effort to stop drugs and violence.”
After the march, Teri Walker sat on the grass with her three step-children enjoying the barbecue lunch provided to participants. She and the children, Rebecca, 12, Rachael, 10, and Matthew, 7, were over at the Strawberry Festival when they heard about the march and decided to take part. “Kids with drugs is a horrible thing,” she said. “We have to get involved and educate people about the importance of fighting drug abuse.” Lauren Houston came to the march with about 10 others from Emmanuel Baptist Church. She said it’s important for people to stay away from drugs and violence “because they can both take lives, and it’s sad to see that happen.”