In March of 1997 the East Providence Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force opened its doors to the youth of East Providence. Approximately 13 teens joined, creating a core group of activists. Within about 6 months, "THE GROUP" had soundly established themselves. They came up with a name, "DICE" which stands for Drug Intervention Community Educators, elected officers- a president, vice- president, secretary and treasurer and created some standard rules of operation.
Currently, DICE's core group consists of about 74 teens aged 12-21 who meet year round on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm at the East Providence City Hall on the 3rd Floor. DICE has either planned, attended, organized, hosted or participated in over 700 events not only state-wide, but even nation-wide (to find out about specific events click here). Some of DICE's major components include: Peer Eduction Programs like Teens Teaching the Truth and DICE's Mirror Image Theater Troupe; Community Service Activities; Youth Leadership Development; ATOD (alcohol, tobacco and other drug) Free Events, Mentoring and a Recognition/Awards Program. BUT what makes us so UNIQUE is that absolutely, positively everything we've done has been completely youth led! Our major supporters include: Federal and State grants (State Incentives Grant; RI Council on the Arts), local clubs and organizations (EP Rotary Club, Senior Center, Police Dept.), graduating seniors who've stayed on board as mentors, past DICE members and our Adult Task Force... but the ones who deserve the majority of the credit are its members for they truly are the "meat and potatoes".
DICE is much more than just a group of teens meeting on a weekly basis (and sometimes up to five times per week). We have our conflicts and our times of glory, but that is what makes us so unique. No matter what happens, no matter what obstacles are thrown our way, DICE sticks together and gets through it. We truly are a family.
President/ Junior @ EPHS Vice President/ Junior @ EPHS Amanda Henry Liam Monaghan
Secretary/ Junior @ EPHS Treasurer/ Junior @ EPHS
Nichole Gilbert Kerstyn Smith
