THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

                         VICE PRESIDENT GORE 
                        TOUTS SUCCESS TO DATE 
            OF ADMINISTRATION'S ANTI-DRUG MEDIA CAMPAIGN

           Challenges Civic Groups to Expand Membership 
                    to 100 Million by Next Year

Washington, DC -- Vice President Gore today touted the success to date of the Administration's $195 million Anti-Drug Youth Media Campaign, pointing to figures showing the vast majority of Americans in 12 pilot cities had seen the ads and that they encouraged conversations about drug use.

Joined at a White House event by National Drug Policy Director Barry McCaffrey, the Vice President also called on the Civic Alliance -- an organization committed to protecting children from drug use -- to expand its membership to 100 million by next year.

According to a recent review of this campaign, 97 percent of the public in 12 pilot cities had seen the anti-drug ads; 80 percent of respondents said that the ads encouraged conversation about drug use; and a number of communities have already launched initiatives to support our anti-drug efforts. In July, the media campaign will be expanded to include national media markets.

"I am proud to announce that so many children are getting our message that taking drugs are wrong and they can kill you," Vice President Gore said. "But our work is not done. We must redouble our efforts to make sure children and parents won't be able to turn on a television, listen to a radio or surf the net without hearing or seeing a strong anti-drug message."

Last November, thirty-three civic groups and service organizations came to the White House and pledged one million volunteer hours "to educate and enable America's youth to reject illegal drugs." Today, the Vice President announced the expansion of the Civic Alliance by welcoming five new members: The Fraternal Order of Eagle; AMBUCS; Mothers Against Drunk Driving; Girls, Inc; and the Benevolent and Protect Order of Elks.

"The Civic Alliance's work is critical to sending our kids the message that drugs are wrong and can ruin young lives," Vice President Gore said. "We must work together to continue these efforts. I call on you to increase your membership from 60 to 100 million volunteers -- to continue to harness the power of adult mentors and the decisive power of youth -- to turn the power of peer pressure into a force that works for us, not against us, in the war on drugs."

Finally, in recognition for their work to prevent youth drug use, the Vice President will accept an award for himself and President Clinton from civic and service organizations ranging from the Elks, to the Boy and Girl Scouts, to 100 Black Men, to MADD.