Century Council Blog
Washingtonian declares Century Council to be one of Washington's "50 Great Places to Work"
The Century Council has been selected as one of Washingtonian Magazine’s “50 Great Places to Work” in 2009. The winners were selected after reviewing several criteria: the extent of challenging and interesting work, positive work-life balance, opportunities to learn and grow, financial stability, commitment to charity and community, and recognition and respect given to employees. More than 200 companies and 13,000 employee surveys were reviewed, and ultimately 50 organizations were awarded as “Great Places to Work.”
The Century Council is proud to serve as a strong not-for-profit in the Washington DC Metro area that affords its employees an enjoyable and rewarding work environment with many opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Century Council is committed to working in partnership with a wide range of local, state, and national organizations. These partnerships provide employees a variety of interesting contacts and also the opportunity to make a direct impact in fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.
“The Century Council prides itself in maintaining a positive and productive work environment, where all employees play a significant role in our mission while also maintaining a manageable work-life balance. Being awarded one of the ‘50 Great Places to Work’ is confirmation that the energy we invest in employee satisfaction has resulted in a positive and productive workplace,” Ralph Blackman, President and CEO.
The Washingtonian has given this award six times since 1999; the “Great Places to Work” issue is published every other year. The Century Council is proud to stand among the fellow 2009 “Great Places to Work.”
Teen driver safety: Parents and distractions
This week, groups all over the country have marked Teen Driver Safety Week, distinguished by efforts to encourage better driving habits and distraction-free driving among teens.
One common theme in this year’s Teen Driving Safety Week has been the role that parents play. Not only do parents often control the cars that teens drive, but they can establish and encourage positive driving behaviors by setting rules and setting examples. Kids are watching you when you’re in the car. And if they see you in a conference call while you’re on the freeway, they’ll take notice.
The response to Teen Driver Safety Week illustrates the continuing concern for driving safety. While drunk driving remains a grave threat, distracted driving is now gaining awareness as another dangerous, reprehensible practice on our roads. We encourage all drivers, regardless of age, to take care when they drive and to make smart decisions before and while driving.
The Century Council thanks attorneys general who made a difference
Every year, The Century Council recognizes those in government who have devoted their time and resources to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. This year, we would like to recognize the following state Attorneys General, for their outstanding commitment to these important issues. Understanding the scope of this national epidemic, this year’s award recipients joined The Century Council to help educate youth and their parents about responsible decision-making concerning beverage alcohol through public awareness and enforcement efforts and community involvement. The Century Council would like to thank them for their tireless efforts.
2009 Award Recipients
Attorney General Jim Hood (D-MS)
Attorney General Jon Bruning (R-NE)
Attorney General Terry Goddard (D-NM)
Attorney General Drew Edmondson (D-OK)
Attorney General Larry Long (R-SD)
Attorney General Rob McKenna (R-WA)
State legislators who made a difference this year recognized by Century Council
Every year, The Century Council recognizes those in government who have devoted their time and resources to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. This year, we would like to recognize the following state legislators, for their outstanding commitment to these important issues. The following legislators worked on legislation to strengthen and enhance laws regarding drunk driving or underage drinking in their states. Through their dedicated efforts, they have helped their states to address issues ranging from offenders who have high blood alcohol levels (BAC) to a bill that would require parents to attend a driver safety course with their children. The Century Council would like to thank them for their tireless efforts.
- Arkansas Representative Fred Allen (D-33), sponsor of HB 1585 and HB 1586, increasing the penalty for furnishing to a minor and creating a social host law
- Kansas Senator Tim Owens (R-8), champion of SB 278, creating the Kansas DUI Commission
- Maryland Delegate Kathleen Dumais (D-15) and Senator Jennie Forehand (D-17), members of the Governor's Task Force and co-sponsors of the 2009 Task Force Legislative Package
- Mississippi Senator Dean Kirby (R-30), sponsor of SB 2616, enhancing the fake ID law
- Oregon Representatives Jeff Barker (D-28) and Kevin Cameron (R-19), champions of HB 2426, creating a minimum fine for high BAC offenders
- Tennessee Representative Joe Carr (R-48), sponsor of HB 250, creating a social host law
- Virginia Delegate Dave Albo (R-42), sponsor of HB 1782, requiring a driver safety course with one's parent as a licensing condition
- Virginia Delegate G. Manoli Loupassi (R-68), sponsor of HB 1805, making vehicle operation without a required interlock a Class 1 misdemeanor
- Virginia Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4), sponsor of SB 1463, doubling the look-back period from 5 to 10 years and requiring interlock installation
- Wyoming Senator Drew Perkins (R-29), sponsor of SB 88, requiring interlocks for high BAC and repeat offenders
Dr Wolf: I used to smoke pot. Can I tell my teen not to now?
Even if you used to toke, you still need to confront your kid - especially if it's posing problems at school
Dear Dr. Wolf,
My teen smokes pot, plain and simple. He'll never admit it, but I've found rolling papers and empty Ziploc bags in his room, and sometimes he smells like it when he comes home. He just started Grade 11, which is a big year. My biggest issue is his moodiness and lack of ambition at school. I want to speak to him about the pros and cons, but I can't lecture him because I did the same at his age. I got an education and a good job and stopped after university, but I had a lot of high-school friends who veered down the wrong path. How do I start this conversation with my son?
-Pothead's Pop
Dear Pothead's Pop,
Many parents today feel conflicted about their children and marijuana use - especially if they themselves were marijuana users (and perhaps still are), and don't feel that marijuana was ever a significant problem in their lives.
They may even think of it fondly. "What can I say? Had a really good time. I liked that part of my life."
Even so, whether they smoked pot or not, most parents also know of at least one cautionary tale.
Teen Driver Safety Week supported by The Century Council
Today The Century Council announced its support for the goals of National Teen Driver Safety Week. The week is observed the third week of October each year, and will be held October 18 to 24, 2009. It is a time in which intensive programming is used to educate teens on the risks associated with driving and encourage them to drive more safely.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008 there were 6,428 fatalities in traffic crashes involving 15-20 year old drivers, including 1,032 (or 16%) alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities. Alcohol is just one of the many factors that contribute to fatal traffic crashes. In fact, distracted driving is major contributor to car crashes, especially among young drivers. Drivers under 20 years of age represent the largest proportion of distracted drivers on the road and 16% of all fatal crashes involving these young drivers were reported to have been driving while distracted according NHTSA.
The Century Council encourages all parents to talk to the teens in their lives about safe driving. Please visit our website to learn more: www.centurycouncil.org/other/initiatives/teendrivers and distribute our Teen Driver Safety Week E-Card in your community: www.centurycouncil.org/ecards/teen-safety.