towards an alternative drug education resource

Years ago, while doing a search for drug education resources, I discovered the hipforums and the marijuana boards here. I was homeschooling my son at the time, (my daughter was still an infant) and NY mandatory curriculum requirements demanded I instruct my son in "drug and alcohol education and prevention" (whatever the hell that means) in all grades, K-12. The state can regulate subject matter, but not content, and I wanted to be certain that what I taught my kids was accurate, honest, straightforeward, no-nonsense, no-bullshit, no-hype. It was at this time I noticed a desperate need for an alternative drug education resource for parents.

I submitted workshop proposals for the Starwood festival. I know that some have been accepted, but I'm not sure yet which ones. I am on the list of speakers. One of the proposals I submitted, (inspired by Harvey Wasserman's presentation on the failings of the drug war, and also influenced by Andrew Weil's The Natural Mind) was an open discussion group for ton alternative drug education. Although I am passionately opposed to the drug war and marijuana prohibition, I might sidestep the politics in order to concentrate on fostering open, honest, and fearless communication, and introducing the idea that drug education should include, and even begin with, recognizing and acknowledging the need for consciousness alteration, and encouraging kids and teens to consider and explore effective, legal methods of altering consciousness such as meditation, yoga, ecstatic dance, etc., regardless of whether or not they choose to explore legal or illegal drugs when they come of age to make those decisions.

I'm going to assume that "What do you say" is one of the proposals accepted, so that I can be prepared, regardless. (This is my first ever public speaking experience beyond oral book reports way back in high school, and it feels like "Hello, Chopping Block! Meet my head!")

I'd like to begin, however by reaching out to other parents and activists who feel the need for a better alternative in educating our kids. What do you say? What do you tell them, if anything, about your own past or present usage of legal or illegal drugs? How do you feel about the current, mainstream drug education programs? Do you allow your kids to attend DARE? What do you say about it? Do you feel safe discussing drugs honestly with your kids? Do you know what your rights are?

Please, let me know your thoughts.