(NewsUSA) - Electricity was in the air at China’s signature annual auto show in Shanghai, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization.

At AutoShanghai 2023, foreign and domestic auto makers rolled out their best to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) market, and the takeaway was clear: the future of the automotive industry in China is electric.

Notably, the PRC’s rise to prominence in the global EV industry follows many of the same industrial strategies that has propelled its rise in other technology sectors, such as fifth-generation (5G) telecommunications infrastructure. Some of these strategies include:

Deep Government Support. China’s EV milestones date back to Beijing’s 2006 The National Medium- and Long-Term Plan for the Development of Science and Technology (2006-2020). Since then, EVs have been featured in each major succeeding industrial plan.

Outbound and Inbound EV Investments. China has benefitted from access to foreign technology and expertise, which helped accelerate its indigenous EV production. Foreign automakers continue to pour investments into China, the largest auto market in the world, amid stiffening competition from their domestic rivals and despite risks to their intellectual property.

Dominance in Critical Minerals and Battery Production. China’s dominance in the critical materials that feed into the most expensive part of any electric vehicle – the battery– is a major competitive advantage to the country’s EV development.

Of course, the EV revolution goes beyond making and selling cars.  EVs represent a convergence of most of the technologies SCSP has identified that will shape the future of innovation: artificial intelligence, microelectronics, advanced networks, new energy storage and production, and smart manufacturing. Economic leadership in EVs will be a springboard for new jobs, a new and transformed industrial base, and new forms of prosperity. Geopolitically, leadership in EVs will forge new pathways toward energy transition and energy security.

Fortunately, the United States and its allies are organizing to compete in the EV sector on a global scale.

The United States and the European Union are mending their differences over the Inflation Reduction Act, which has breathed new life into the U.S. EV industry. Washington and Tokyo are also finding ways to cooperate more closely on EV supply chains. Looking ahead, the United States and its allies and partners should increase political support to better position their respective EV industries to compete with the PRC on a global scale. The U.S. also can jumpstart the EV innovation ecosystem by supporting research and development for new battery technologies. These actions will help the U.S. into the driver’s seat for the future of EVs and their economic and political impacts.

Visit scsp.ai for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Echo From a Bayou by J. Luke Bennecke

Murder. Treasure. A supernatural twist. In this latest work from a multi-award-winning author, John Bastian is plunged into a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about his past life as Jack Bachman after a skiing accident unlocks hidden memories. With unshakable visions of a bloody ax, a treasure of gold coins, and a redheaded woman, John sets out on a journey to find answers and confront the man who murdered him in his past life.

Faced with danger at every turn and with a hurricane fast approaching, John must fight for his survival and the safety of those he loves. Full of twists and turns, this gripping novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Don't miss out on this unforgettable ride. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3M1PR40.

Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs

Theodosia’s Honey Bee Tea is an elegant affair set in Charleston’s Petigru Park amidst native grasses and a beekeeping project. But when a phony beekeeper sprays toxic smoke at the guests, the party erupts in chaos. Then a shot rings out and politician Osgood Claxton III falls to the ground – dead.

Holly Burns, the gallery owner who commissioned the tea, is in shock. A man is dead, guests injured, her paintings left in tatters. When the police don’t have a clue, when old-line politicos don’t want questions asked, Holly begs Theodosia to run a shadow investigation and help restore her gallery’s good name. This is book #26 in the Tea Shop Mystery series – a series that was pronounced “one of the absolute best cozy mystery series” by Book Riot and recently featured as a question on Jeopardy! Purchase at https://bit.ly/3IcnE8u.

Boundaries by Millie by Jo Smoak

What can young children learn from a donkey? Boundaries are limits that we each possess. They can be expressed in different ways. Children author Jo Smoak thinks that having and establishing boundaries with others is important and shares how boundaries are created in this delightful book.

Boundaries by Millie takes you through the day-to-day life of a real donkey with some funny twists. How do you think that a donkey would communicate boundaries? Certainly, it’s important that children understand that no means no, and it’s important to understand when it is okay -- and sometimes even very necessary – to say no. And “no” is not to imply that you are not loved. Find out other valuable lessons in this fun, yet meaningful, story about setting healthy boundaries. https://bit.ly/3Q2V5iv

Tough and Competent by Eugene F. Kranz

 From Gemini to Apollo launches, the Skylab program, and the stunning loss of the Challenger crew, author Eugene Kranz was the face of NASA leadership. Now he documents the leadership and teamwork principles that emerged from an organization of novice, part-time engineers in NASA Mercury Control. By July 1969, when faced with the stress of the Apollo 11 mission to land Americans on the moon, they had matured into a group of hardened individuals empowered to make the split-second decisions to land with only 17seconds of fuel remaining.

What had changed? Team chemistry, says Kranz. IT! elevates performance to where the impossible becomes commonplace. IT! was born in a bare-bones warehouse floor work environment, where learning by doing developed the materials for flight. Moving innovation forward, as you’ll see, is never simple. https://bit.ly/44sm0sz

(NewsUSA) - Companies are looking to jump on the AI hype to build their own ChatGPTs and improve processes with artificial intelligence. Yet, a recent internal survey by a global telecommunications company found that accessing relevant data that would serve as the backbone of any AI engine is a top challenge. 80% say they don't have fast enough access to data, with typical lead times ranging from one to six months. 

In another public survey conducted by synthetic data company MOSTLY AI, 28% of AI and machine learning developers cited a lack of data access as the reason for failed AI projects. Privacy and governance issues were cited in 35% of the cases. Some companies are reluctant to embrace generative AI because of data privacy issues, and understandably so. It's a bit of a catch-22 situation. Companies can't use AI models developed by others because they want to protect their data. They can't develop their own AI models either due to data privacy concerns and possible future regulatory issues. Does that mean the AI revolution is over before it even started? 

Far from it. While some of the most aggressive players, like OpenAI and Microsoft, forge ahead despite the data privacy and intellectual property issues flagged by regulators, artists, and consumers alike, others look for tools that enable them to develop AI engines with privacy and fairness in mind. A new generation of so-called privacy-enhancing technologies, or PETs are offering new ways to get data.

PETs could save the day 

Synthetic data generation stands out as one of the most advanced and innovative privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) available today. By harnessing the power of synthetic data, businesses can overcome the hurdles posed by privacy concerns and data protection regulations. Artificially generated with intelligence gleaned from sample datasets, synthetic data provides a valuable resource for companies seeking to optimize their AI engines and improve processes through artificial intelligence.

With the aid of synthetic data, companies can gain unprecedented insights into the correlations, trends, and patterns present in their customers' data without risking their privacy. Synthetic generators create proxies that faithfully mimic real data, allowing for in-depth analysis and experimentation without compromising the privacy of individual users. This unique capability empowers businesses to explore novel solutions and even use data to fine-tune their AI models, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of their predictions and decision-making processes.

Synthetic data also serves as a powerful tool for data augmentation, effectively addressing imbalances found in real-world datasets, such as those related to gender or race. By employing synthetic data in tandem with genuine data, companies can rectify biases and promote fairness in their AI applications, paving the way for more equitable outcomes.

Over 80% of those working with data report wanting to work with synthetic data that is matching the patterns of real data without the privacy-sensitive data points. Similarly, 71% of respondents in the State of Synthetic Data Survey agreed that synthetic data is the missing piece of the puzzle required for AI/ML projects to succeed. 

Seventy-two percent of respondents plan to use an AI-powered synthetic data generator within the next few years, and almost 40% plan to use one in the next three months. And 46% of practitioners cite data augmentation - a process capable of fixing imbalances of real data, such as gender or race imbalances - as their main use case. Although excitement is high, the survey also highlighted a heightened need for educating the data community about the benefits, limitations, and use cases of synthetic data. 

Misconceptions about synthetic data are widespread, even among AI/ML experts 

There is still a lot of confusion around the term "synthetic data"; 59% of respondents didn't know the difference between dummy mock data and intelligent synthetic data. This suggests that synthetic data companies have a huge responsibility to educate data consumers and learn firsthand what it's like to work with synthetic versions of real datasets.

Tobi Hann, MOSTLY AI's CEO, said, "We have to educate people big time. Since we work with synthetic data day in and day out, we take a lot of related knowledge for granted, and only when conversations get to a deeper level do we realize that sometimes even engineers have fundamental misunderstandings about the way synthetic data generation works and the use cases it is capable of solving. Our number one priority is to get people hands-on with synthetic data technology, so they really learn the capabilities in their day-to-day tasks and might even discover new ways of working with synthetic data that we didn't think about." 

The synthetic data potential 

When asked about the most frequently used data anonymization tools and techniques, 49% of respondents said that they use data masking to anonymize data. Twenty percent said they simply remove personal information from datasets – an approach that is not only unsafe from a privacy perspective, but can also destroy data utility needed for high-quality training data. Privacy-enhancing technologies, like homomorphic encryption, AI-generated synthetic data, and others, account for 31%. 

Without a doubt, the AI revolution is underway, and it is in all of our interests to make sure that companies develop these data-hungry beasts in privacy-respecting ways. Synthetic data - due to its malleable and shareable nature - is also the key to AI explainability. When AI creates or predicts something, it has no insight into why it decided to do what it did. The concept of explainable AI tries to solve this black box by giving access not only to the model but also to the data that was used to train the system. Synthetic training data functions as the window into the souls of algorithms, allowing developers, regulators, and even consumers to understand how the model came to the conclusion it did. 

Algorithmic decisions have been impacting our lives before, but with the recent AI breakthroughs, cases like a woman being given less credit on the basis of her gender by a biased algorithm or a man getting arrested due to a facial recognition algorithm misidentifying him, are on the rise. It turns out that data access is important not only to those who create AI but for those who are subjected to its decisions. By leveraging synthetic data, businesses can embark on a path of responsible AI development, where data privacy is preserved, biases are mitigated, and AI models are thoroughly understood and trusted. Embracing synthetic data represents a critical step towards realizing the full potential of AI while upholding ethical standards and ensuring a positive impact on society.

About MOSTLY AI

MOSTLY AI is the pioneering leader in the creation of structured synthetic data. It enables anyone to generate high-quality, production-like synthetic data for smarter AI and smarter testing. Synthetic data teams at Fortune 100 companies and others can originate, amend, and share datasets in ways that overcome the ethical challenges of using real, anonymized, or dummy data. AI-generated synthetic data is private, provides a reduction in time-to-data, and puts more machine learning models into production. For press inquiries, email [email protected]. 

(NewsUSA) - It’s been said that Ed Davis has done for American railroads what Jack Kerouac did for American highways and John Steinbeck did for American nomads. Lofty comparisons indeed.

And it’s amazing this can all happen while writing a book about hobos, what Davis calls a “brotherhood of travelers who emerged with the coming of the great iron roads and who held dominion over them for more than a century.”

Yet maybe it is precisely the scrutiny given this band of tramps, capturing the filth, hunger, exhaust, grit, ingenuity and slice of America they embody that makes The Last Professional so powerful.

It’s the story of a hobo, a wanderer and a madman -- three characters hurtling toward a heart-wrenching climax where their way of life, and their lives, hang in the balance.

Lynden Hoover, a young man on the brink of a new beginning, cannot embrace it without confronting the traumas of his past. Help comes from The Duke, an old loner who calls America's landscape his home. He clings to an honor code, but in fleeing from Short Arm, his merciless enemy, his code is being tested. The Duke mentors Lynden, enlisting old traveling friends to keep himself and his apprentice just ahead of Short Arm's relentless pursuit.

Bonds are formed, secrets exposed, sacrifices made, and trusts betrayed -- all against a breathtaking American landscape of promise and peril. It’s three unforgettable characters, hurtling toward a spellbinding climax where pasts and futures collide, and lives hang in the balance.

But the essence of The Last Professional is much greater than its intriguing plot. The rambling trains are a metaphor for an American journey, a frenetic yet serene search for identity. Is it a train to freedom or a train to survival?

The book continues to receive lofty praise:

"It reads like an amalgam of adventure and drama, with a touch of Cormac McCarthy-esque neo-noir," says Colin Jordan of Medium.

"Part Peckinpah, part Stephen King's Stand by Me, and part something else entirely -- The Last Professional feels honestly like escapism done right,” says Daily Pop News. “The kind that completely envelopes you, with dream-like seduction, in a fully realized and fleshed out environment."

The book has won the American Fiction Award, New Mexico, Arizona Fiction Award, and NYC Big Book Audio Fiction Award.

It’s not so much what Ed Davis has done for American railroads in The Last Professional. It’s what he has done for human awareness, for our conscience, for our understanding of the many paths we take, some by choice and some perhaps outlined in a higher preconceived scheme. Whatever picture your personal perspective presents, view life through a wider lens and marvel in the majesty before you, whatever outward stereotypes lead you to believe. 

“There’s no secret to it. We’re all of us on a train. It doesn’t run smooth, it doesn’t run easy, and it don’t run one minute longer than it’s meant to. You gonna ride it, or let it ride you? That’s the only choice we really get.”

Visit www.eddavisbooks.com.

(NewsUSA) -  As far back as 1980, scientists determined that two water supply systems for Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C., were contaminated with hazardous chemicals.

The water supply systems served unmarried service personnel, as well as families of enlisted Marines. The systems also provided water for schools, offices, and recreational areas. In addition, another system provided water for the base’s hospital and a housing community.

As a result of long-term exposure to the contaminated water, individuals stationed at Camp Lejeune have developed many debilitating illnesses linked to the contaminated water, including:

● Leukemia

● Parkinson’s disease

● Bladder, cervical, kidney, and liver cancer

● Hepatic steatosis

● Kidney disease and renal toxicity

● Multiple myeloma

● Myelodysplastic syndromes and aplastic anemia

●Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

●Scleroderma

● Systematic sclerosis

Finally, litigation is underway to bring benefits to those impacted by the Camp Lejeune contamination.

Thanks to the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, signed in August 2022 by President Biden, those harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune now have a way to make legal claims against the U.S. government.

Military personnel who were stationed at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days between 1953 and 1987, may be eligible to file and join lawsuits currently in progress. Individuals and families who were not serving in the military, but who lived or worked on the Marine base and developed any of the associated illnesses may also be eligible.

Robin Greenwald, a partner at the Weitz & Luxenberg (W&L) law firm, has been appointed by the courts as Co-Lead Counsel for the ongoing Camp Lejeune litigation.

“It is an honor to be awarded a position to help the potentially hundreds of thousands of U.S. service personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to recover for their physical injuries caused by contaminated drinking water,” says Ms. Greenwald, who co-chairs W&L’s Environmental Toxic Torts and Consumer Protection Litigation group. “We want to thank our Lejeune clients for entrusting us with their lawsuits,” Ms. Greenwald adds. The legal team’s combined efforts will benefit all Lejeune plaintiffs, and not just W&L clients.

Ms. Greenwald is a widely recognized environmental toxic tort and consumer protection attorney with a proven track record of legal victories, including a multi-billion-dollar settlement with Monsanto on behalf of nearly 100,000 Americans who developed Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, an aggressive type of cancer, after being exposed to the leading weedkiller Roundup.

Weitz & Luxenberg encourages those who believe they fit the criteria and have been diagnosed with one or more of those conditions to schedule a free consultation.    

(NewsUSA) - The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program announces a new literacy initiative, “Operation Turn the Page,” that will equip children across the United States with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty.

Millions of children across the Nation are gearing up to head back to school in August. However, going back to school can look vastly different for students and families who face economic hardships every single day. In many low-income neighborhoods, there is just one age-appropriate book for every 300 children, and one in four American children reach adulthood without learning how to read.

“It’s a sad fact that over 60 percent of poverty-stricken children don’t have access to age-appropriate books and educational materials at home,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.   

Over the summer months, children in need may have lost  as much as one third of their progress from the previous school year, simply because they lacked access to books and other learning materials to keep their reading and comprehension skills sharp. Approximately one in six children are living at or below the poverty level in our country, and for these children, the idea of returning to the classroom at a learning disadvantage can be especially discouraging.

Through Operation Turn the Page, and with the help of caring donors, this new initiative will provide disadvantaged children with the books and educational resources they need to learn, grow, and ultimately, achieve a brighter future.

“Thanks to our volunteers and generous supporters, Toys for Tots is making it our mission to help children and families achieve a brighter future,” says LtGen Laster.  “Working together, we can turn the page on poverty.”

Toys for Tots is one of our Nation’s premier and most trusted children’s charities.  Supporters of Operation Turn the Page should know that 100 percent of their contributions go directly toward reading materials for children in need. 

To learn more about this Program and how you can help create a better, brighter future for disadvantaged children, please visit: https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/literacy-program/

(NewsUSA) - I Am Pink by Gregory Copploe and Dani Forrest

I Am Pink is a captivating odyssey of self-discovery and empowerment. This award-winning book unfolds a narrative of resilience, authenticity, and personal growth, inviting readers to embark on a soulful journey. With a vibrant blend of wisdom and vulnerability, it navigates the complexities of life, offering a roadmap to embracing one's unique identity. Each page resonates with a powerful message, encouraging readers to break free from conventions and celebrate their individuality.

Through heartfelt storytelling, I Am Pink not only captivates but also serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that within the depths of our challenges lie opportunities for profound transformation. It's more than a book; it's a transformative companion for those seeking to paint their lives with the rich hues of authenticity and resilience. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3w6PJL2.

Shiraz & Syrah by Mina Abdi

Embark on an exceptional dining adventure with chef Mina Abdi's Shiraz & Syrah, a delicious convergence of Persian and French cuisines for a unique gastronomic experience. Amidst the vivid memories of Iran's rich culture, aromatic street food, and the elegant flavors of French cuisine, Mina, a professional chef who has been cooking for family and friends, restaurants, and events for the last fifty years, invites you to explore the intertwining histories of Shiraz and Syrah. She grew up surrounded by old family recipes and traditional dishes and mastered Persian cooking and grew eager to explore other countries’ dishes.

Encapsulating a lifelong passion for Persian and French cuisines, Mina makes unique food accessible for everyday enjoyment. Discover exquisite flavors that transcend time and place, bringing two worlds together in your kitchen. Shiraz and Syrah celebrates culture, love, and the pure joy of exceptional food. Purchase at bit.ly/3GKvq8q.

Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word by Paul O. Scott

This memoir begins with a massive heart attack that leaves author Paul Scott in a vegetative state with little possibility of recovery, according to his doctors.  What they didn’t know about him was he neither counted anyone out nor anyone in, especially himself.

He lived his life overcoming multitudinous challenges living by the adage, “All I need is a tiny chance and I’ll make it work.” His story is delivered from a 5’4” frame being constantly told “you can’t, or you won’t.” He was a make-believe Christian with the gift of gab and full of crime.  He refused to accept no, only the last yes.

His memoir addresses his upbringing as a Black Christian Scientist who chose the criminal path, yet no prison.   This memoir shines a light on alcoholism, drug abuse, physical abuse, ever-present crime, and consistently circumventing all challenges. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4cizoDM.

Third Collection of Short Stories by Stanislas M. Yassukovich

Stanislas Yassukovich returns with another riveting collection of short stories, a worthy successor to his acclaimed Short Stories and A Cape Town Decameron. Each tale, woven from his vast experiences, spans an array of subjects, characters, and locales. Drawing inspiration from his illustrious career as an international investment banker, Yassukovich gives readers a privileged peek into the intersections of finance, adventure, and the human spirit.

 Every story offers a unique flavor, capturing varied moods and moments. Collectively, they paint a vivid tableau of a world both bygone and current, all anchored by enduring values. His insights, observations and keen writing style provide the roadmap for journey through a life richly lived and brilliantly recounted. Purchase at https://bit.ly/47yUXMK.

(NewsUSA) - Insurance is essential to protecting yourself. Health insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance — all of these can protect you in the event of an emergency. However, determining exactly what type of insurance you really need, and how to budget for it, can be daunting. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional can help guide you through the many insurance options, including:

Health Insurance

Health insurance is often one of the major considerations for adults in taking a job. When choosing the health insurance that is right for you and your family, consider how much you will pay each month, but also how much, if any, you will pay for copays. Health insurance plans known as HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) are often the least expensive and may be a good choice for single, young professionals. However, HMOs may have more restrictions on your choice of providers. In contrast, PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) cost more per month but allow greater flexibility and generally do not require referrals to see specialists of your choice.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is part of buying a home. Homeowners insurance will cover catastrophes such as storm damage, so it is important to be familiar with the terms of your policy. Note that most homeowners policies do not include flood insurance, which can be purchased through the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program. In the event of a catastrophe, hold off on permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have agreed on the cost. You may need to make temporary repairs to prevent further property damage. If so, document these repairs and inform your insurance company.

Life Insurance

When considering life insurance, there are two basic types to choose from: term life or whole life. Term life insurance is set for a specific time period (or term) and often is more affordable. Term life insurance can be renewed every year or discontinued when you think you no longer need it. If you have a more permanent need for life insurance, a whole life policy that includes a death benefit and cash value can provide a sense of security for you and your family.

Taking smart steps to make sure you have the insurance you need can protect your family and property in the event of an emergency. Although insurance is not a glamorous topic, storms, injuries or other unforeseen events could severely impact your finances and your life. A CFP^® professional can provide advice on what types of insurance coverage may be necessary and how to align insurance needs with your overall financial plan.

Visit letsmakeaplan.org to find a CFP^® professional that can help you today.

(NewsUSA) - “There is no greater catalyst for military innovation than warfare,” according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization. The ability to innovate and adapt in a battlefield setting may make a life or death difference. This importance of innovation is especially true regarding technology, and the current war in Ukraine is a prime example.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has become “a technological arms race” said Andrey Liscovich, CEO of the Ukraine Defense Fund, in a recent interview with SCSP. “What worked yesterday may stop working today; what worked today may not work tomorrow,” he said, “Both sides must constantly adapt.”

Two key developments in warfare technology have emerged during the Ukraine/Russia conflict, according to the SCSP and their expert analysts: data and drones.

Data-driven decisions. A wave of Ukrainian software engineers has marshalled to assist their country’s government and military, providing digital information and applications needed to support forces on the ground. For example, Ukrainians are currently working with U.S. companies using artificial intelligence (AI) to sift through multiple data streams to identify targets. This capability is particularly important given the Ukrainians’ relative lack of spare ammunition, and the need to hit the largest number of enemy targets with the smallest number of munitions. In addition, a battle command application based on a concept described as “Uber for artillery” uses information fed into it from Ukrainian citizens and soldiers. The technology also can draw on data from NATO systems and provide intelligence for Ukrainian forces.

Drone deployment. The use of drones in warfare is not new, but both Ukraine and Russia are using drones on a large scale. Both sides have employed massive attack drone swarms to overwhelm the enemy’s air defenses, which struggle to detect and target the small, fast-moving objects. For the Ukrainian military, drones have replaced aircraft on the battlefield as the primary means of air-delivered strikes. Small drones also serve as “flying binoculars” for surveillance and targeting.

The war in Ukraine continues to illustrate the game-changing nature of data and drones in military action, and the United States would do well to take notice, according to the experts at SCSP. As one military analyst said, “Big centralized western air forces and artillery organizations now have a combat relevance problem . . . as drones provide some of the big platforms firepower capabilities very cheaply.” The U.S. Department of Defense should speed the adoption of small, unmanned, many, and smart weapons to pose multiple dilemmas to an adversary, the SCSP experts emphasize.

Visit scsp.ai for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Past month underage alcohol consumption in the United States has decreased by 53% in the past 20 years, and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is celebrating the efforts of parents, caregivers, educators, and communities to keep kids alcohol-free. New survey data released by the organization also notes that conversations between caregivers and their children have increased 31% during this time, showing that these interactions are working.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Ask, Listen, Learn, a free, digital underage drinking prevention program developed by Responsibility.org that features resources and materials that educate kids about the impact of alcohol and cannabis on their developing brains to help them make healthy, informed decisions.

The Ask, Listen, Learn program is aimed at kids aged 9-13 years old and is designed to empower them to say "YES" to a healthy lifestyle and "NO" to underage drinking. It also highlights the importance of goal setting, decision making, and modeling responsible behaviors as keys to staying substance-free.

“Kids really are listening and watching adults,” says Leslie Kimball, executive director at Responsibility.org. “As parents, it’s important that we continue building healthy relationships with our children, as we’re vital to keeping them alcohol-free and modeling mindful, balanced behaviors.” 

A new study released by Responsibility.org in March 2023 confirms that kids are listening when their guardians are talking. Approximately one-third (33%) of children surveyed identified their parents as the leading influence on their decision to drink or not drink alcohol, followed by best friends (25%), and social media (17%).

Parents in general have boosted their communication skills with kids, and vice versa. For example, 95% of parents or caregivers in the 2023 survey reported having spoken to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking at least once in the past year, and 90% of kids reported the same.

In honor of the 20^th anniversary of Ask, Listen, Learn, Responsibility.org is launching a campaign, #Take20WithKids, that encourages adults to “take 20” minutes, seconds, or even deep breaths to connect, reflect upon, and discuss the risks associated with underage drinking, to model responsible behavior, or to take action on a goal. 

Responsibility.org’s programs have helped families and educators guide youth towards a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The organization’s website and active social media channels provide adults with digestible information at their fingertips to spark discussions about refraining from drinking alcohol underage as well as the effects of underage cannabis use.

For more information on the Ask, Listen, Learn program and #Take20WithKids, visit www.asklistenlearn.org.