Project Overview

“Our lives are like ripples in time. Each unique, each precious and rare. Each comprised of events, experiences, and people that touch us. We sit poised at the centre of our own existence. And while many events are beyond our control, more often than not, we choose our own path. Every decision, good or bad, determines our outcome and sets in motion the course of our life.”

Today’s youth face modern challenges - minefields of difficult decisions about drugs, alcohol, sex, and other complex issues. The Ripple Effect is a documentary exploring the challenges and consequences of decision making for today’s youth, particularly how the use of drugs and alcohol impacts one’s ability to make positive choices. The Ripple Effect uses real people, real experiences, and real consequences to demonstrate how one decision, the kind we are faced with on a regular basis, can impact the course of many lives.

The Ripple Effect has been created using interviews with people who have been directly or indirectly impacted by a decision made by someone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The stories relayed are far reaching as they demonstrate the impact of substance related incidents on the individuals, their families and the community as a whole. Some examples are:

• Fred and Sandra Koocher share their story. Perhaps no one knows better how one decision made while under the influence of alcohol can change lives forever. Their sons, Aaron and Devin were killed in an impaired driving incident in the fall of 1999. As their mother drove the kids to a local arena to play hockey, she could never have predicted the events that unfolded.Hockey sticks still stand as a road side memorial in the place where the Koocher boys lost their lives.

• Chris Musche tells how his life has been irrevocably altered because of one decision he made. One night, while celebrating with his high school friends, Chris and his peers made the fateful decision to use a vehicle in a prank. The incident ended in tragedy as Chris is left with an acquired brain injury that has changed the course of his life. We hear not only from Chris but from his family as well, as they relay how that split second decision changed everything.

• We talk to Ron Ratti who, as a quadriplegic, is a reminder of the consequences of driving while under the influence. Ron made that decision, changing his life and the lives of many people around him, including his brother who lost his life as a result.

• Jill Faludi can tell us about the people left behind because of one decision. She is a funeral director who has to help families and friends deal with the reality of tragedy. Dealing with a family who has lost a young son or daughter because of poor decision making is vastly different than when someone dies from other causes. When tragedies are preventable, thoughts always turn to the question, “Why?”

The answer in all of these situations is a poor decision. Making good decisions everyday is challenging. Making good decisions while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is even tougher. The Ripple Effect will raise youth awareness and understanding of the impact that their decisions have on them and those around them. By recognizing and understanding these risks, youth will be more likely to think about their actions before hand and take actions that decrease or eliminate potential negative consequences.

Potential use for this documentary is broad. In Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, it will initially be presented to youth in a school based assembly format. This presentation will include an introduction and, whenever possible, a statement by one of the individuals whose story is relayed through the DVD. Teachers will also have the opportunity to use the DVD in a classroom setting, where the accompanying facilitator’s guide will assist in leading discussions.

In addition to school based application, the documentary can also be used in community based youth programs such as driver’s education programs and local youth centres. The resource is also available to other local and provincial agencies and organizations with an interest in the safety and well being of youth.

The modern challenges of decision making facing today’s youth now have a contemporary educational response. The documentary delivers the key messages in a way young people can relate to. Regardless of how or where the video is presented, The Ripple Effect is an emotionally charged, provocative way to reveal real life stories of decisions gone wrong.

“Our lives are like ripples in time. We sit poised at the centre of our own existence. Every decision, good or bad, determines our outcome and sets in motion the course of our life.”