Iranian American Parents association IAPA

COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO SAVE LIVES - Panel discussion with teenagers and young adults (15 years and up)

Moderated topics for discussion: ALCOHOL, DRUGS, SEX

I am a member of the board to the Iranian American Parents Association (IAPA) in Los Angeles. This non-profit organization is pretty active on dealing with the issues that our youngsters face these days. We had a seminar last night with a panel of experts and a few teenagers. This was held in the Beverly Hills Country Club from 6:00 to 9:00 am. It was a sold out event and we had to turn many down because there was no more space even to stand up and enjoy the program.

Dr. Nanaz Pirnia , psychologist and the founder of IAPA was the host and the keynote speaker. Sergeant Cripe from the Sheriff's Department, Dr. Taheri, Suzi Khatami, the host of a popular radio show for youngsters and a few youngsters and former drug addicts were also on the panel. It was a wonderful and educational event.

I liked the Sergeant Cripe's speech when he told the teenagers "you have no idea of how dangerous these inmates are and you don't want to get into drugs and alcohol to be in one cell with these criminals. They kill you in a heart beat." He then went on to say that "Education can give you everything, and drugs and alcohol can take everything you have."

Two very brave young girls and boys told their real stories and how they got into drugs, alcohol, stealing from their friends and families. They said that they have been clean more months after being heavy drug addicts for years. It is more effective when teenagers and youngsters talk to each other and share their experiences rather than parents giving boring advices to their kids.

The pictures speak for themselves. I am posting a few of them here. There will be more and follow up seminars on these and related topics in the months ahead.


Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.RugIdea.com
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
310-770-9085