Marshfield Area Parent Network

The Marshfield Area Parent Network (MAPN) is a group of parents, educators and community leaders who are committed to the health and safety of children, to protect them from underage alcohol use and other illegal substances.

MAPN members should commit to:

• Creating an atmosphere in which the use of alcohol and drugs is not considered an acceptable or normal part of adolescence.
• Sponsoring only alcohol, drug and tobacco-free events for youth in your home (or other gathering places).
• Actively supervising all gatherings of youth in your home or on your property.
• Talking directly with other parents who sponsor youth events or parties to ensure that their events will be chaperoned and free of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
• Communicating a clear “no use” message about underage use of alcohol or tobacco and use of illegal substances.
• Setting good limits for your children regarding curfew, where your children are allowed to go, dating patterns, overnights, etc.
• Being a good role model for children to help them learn about healthy, responsible behaviors.
• Reading and signing the Parent Agreement (formally Parent Contract) annually; by doing so you will receive access to the directory of all other parents who have done the same.
• MAPN 11-12 Parent Agreement
• Marshfield Area Parent Network Dinners
  All dinners are free and will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• 2011-12 meetings are as follows:
• August 24, 2011, Wildwood Pavilion
• Topic: Bullying
• October 17, 2011, UW Marshfield/Wood County
• Topic: Prescription Drugs
• February 20, 2012, UW Marshfield/Wood County
• Topic: Healthy Relationships
• April 23, 2012, UW Marshfield/Wood County
• Topic: Underage Drinking and YRBS results

ABOUT US
Our History

The parent network was started in 2002 by former Marshfield High School Principal John Blankush, who brought the idea with him when he joined the school district. Parents and guardians sign a pledge to provide and support places for youth to socialize away from pressure to use tobacco, alcohol and other illegal substances. Since 2007, the Marshfield Area Parent Network (MAPN) has partnered with Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth and Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach to expand the network. The goal is to create a network of parents, educators and community representatives beyond the limits of the Marshfield community. MAPN unites parents throughout the region to be able to turn to each other to support their children in making healthy choices. Annually, more than 500 parents renew their pledges.

OUR GOAL

We want to create an area-wide network of parents, educators and community representatives to actively educate and support each other in promoting a healthy lifestyle for area teens that is free of potentially harmful substance use.

To date the following coalitions/communities started parent networks and benefited from resources shared by Marshfield :

• Inner Wisconsin Coalition for Youth (communities of Nekoosa, Port Edwards, Pittsville, Auburndale, Wisconsin Rapids and Grand Rapids)
• Vilas County Youth Coalition in Vilas County
• Positive Alternatives Coalition in Vilas and Oneida Counties
• Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention in Oneida County
• Oneida County AODA in Oneida County
• Lac du Flambeau Minobimaadiziiwin Coalition

JOIN US

We are parents who believe it takes a lot of courage to be a parent, and it's easier when you have the support of other parents who share a similar vision. If you would like to join the Marshfield Area Parent Network, simply fill out the contract and return it to your child's school. Lets work together to create a healthier community.