Some 100 members of the Illinois Judges Association (IJA) - including Appellate Court justices and even one Supreme Court justice - have taken a two-hour training that enables them to deliver in their communities a hard-hitting, interactive youth education program called "7 Reasons to Leave the Party." Since 2007, IJA members have made more than 160 presentations to nearly 50,000 students statewide. For its contribution to improving the administration of justice in Illinois, and encouragement to teens to adopt wise and safe behaviors, the IJA will receive a Special Merit Citation from the American Judicature Society (AJS) to be presented by AJS Distinguished Lifetime Director, Dawn Clark Netsch, at the IJA's Midyear Meeting Luncheon at noon on Friday, December 11, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E. North Water St. An AJS Special Merit Citation is intended to allow recognition of projects and efforts that benefit some aspect of the judicial system including those that are narrowly focused or time specific. This award recognizes individuals, publications, state or local courts, organizations and educational institutions that make significant contributions toward improving the justice system. The American Judicature Society, founded in 1913 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is an independent, national, nonpartisan organization of judges, lawyers, and other members of the public who seek to improve the justice system. Established in 2002 by judges and probation officers in Adams County of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Illinois, written by and delivered extensively by one of its judges, Judge Mark Drummond, and "adopted" as a community outreach program by Judge Mark Schuering when he was IJA President (2007-08), the "7 Reasons to Leave the Party" program uses rap music, photos and true stories to underscore its message - that there are serious consequences to teen activities such as drinking and driving. The myth that nothing happens to you if you're a juvenile is just that - a myth. During the live presentation, typically in a classroom or auditorium, a judge walks teens through a teenage house party where illegal activity is happening in each room (alcohol, drugs, underage sex, etc.). Photos depict the worst-case scenario (death) to the effects that long-term drug use has on physical appearance. Performing a urine test while being watched by a police officer can be awkward and embarrassing, teens are told. And some consequences of the behavior are downright disappointing (such as losing your driver's license or losing out on a job opportunity because another equally qualified candidate doesn't have a police record). Teens are given a flier with the "7 Reasons to Leave" on one side and a "contract" on the other. Students are encouraged to sign the contract with their parents or a guardian, indicating that they will avoid drinking, taking drugs and engaging in other unlawful activities - activities which could hurt their chances of success and prosperity in adulthood and a healthy, happy lifestyle. To encourage kids to discuss the contract at home, they are told that the first five-or-so percent of students who return the signed contract to their teacher will receive a cool key chain carabiner with a tiny flashlight. Judge Drummond, who continues to deliver the program in his district, also conducts periodic trainings for judges who want to present the program. Following the training, judges receive a PowerPoint presentation, display banner, and the fliers and carabiners for distribution at the schools. Several judges have delivered the program multiple times; some judges also present special versions of the program to parent and teacher groups. Under the leadership of Cook County Judge Rita M. Novak, who co-chairs the '7 Reasons' committee with Judge Nancy Schuster Waites, of the 19^th Judicial Circuit, efforts are underway to update and customize the program to better reflect the demographics of the geographic region where the program is delivered. As a true testimony to the program's success, it has been embraced by the five IJA officers, each of whom are in line to become IJA president. Says Judge Ronald Spears, of Taylorville, the IJA's current president: "If you can convince even a small handful of teens to heed the message, then it will have been worth the effort." The Illinois Judges Association, established in 1971, provides continuing legal education to members of the judiciary and education to the public on the Illinois courts and court procedures. For further information, write to the IJA at 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60604-3997, or visit their web site at www.ija.org.