Crowdfunding Pitch Concept

Addressing the problem

The problem statement is ‘How might we help and prevent 15-25 year olds from the
consumption of illegal drugs in our society and country?’ In terms of illegal drugs,
they comprise amphetamines, cannabis (marijuana), ecstasy (MDMA) and heroin.
They are prohibited due to their damages to health and lives. People are not aware
of what is in them and how it affects because they are not managed similarly to the
legal drugs (Department of Health 2019).

It is claimed that there are five reasons for adolescents to consume drugs: To fit in,
to feel good, to feel better, to do better and to experiment (National Institute on Drug
Abuse 2014, p. 13). Nowadays, adolescents have to face stressful problems arising
from their study or careers. Hence, they probably find that using illegal drugs can
help them clear their minds, relieve stress and have greater performances. On the
other hand, they may feel isolated or outdated in their surroundings, so they want to
blend in with the equals by using illegal drugs.

Proposed solution
After the group’s discussion, we believe that parents, schools and universities are
required to contribute to educating teenagers and young adults in regard to the
effects and consequences of illegal drug usage. Education is the key to provide
people with knowledge and change the way they think and behave. Therefore,
engaging the youth in drug education campaigns will help them make healthy and
safe decisions, identify risk circumstances, develop methods to be proactive when
facing challenging situations (Education and Training 2020). Drug education
emphasizes on improving life skills and protective behaviors, promoting relationships
in which students can engage, assuring that students involve in their schooling and
external encouragement, such as media, family and peers (Education and Training
2020).

The funds raised from the crowdfunding campaign would be used for several
purposes. Firstly, in order to educate teenagers and young adults, more clubs,
campaigns and seminars at schools and universities will be organized for both
parents and students to spread the information of illegal drugs and the dangers they
bring about. It is also necessary to carry on a number of teaching materials and
activities about drug abuse with concrete evidences and experience. Moreover,
those educational institutions can spend the funds on advertising and facilities to
advertise. Various advertisements for how poisonous illegal drugs are should be
displayed on the media, namely televisions, notice boards, and on the schools’ social
media, such as YouTube channels, Facebook and Instagram. The more advertising,
the more parents and students reach to the significant information about drug abuse.

Who are we pitching this to?

 Australian high schools, colleges and universities
 Australian parents
 The media concerned with education

Why should people donate? What’s in it for them?

The crowdfunding would be worth being donated because the issue of illegal drug
consumption is increasing, especially cannabis. Australian inhabitants spent $11.3
billion on illegal drugs in 2019. In comparison, it was $2 billion greater than its
counterpart in 2018 (Johnson 2020). Besides, it is stated that cannabis is the most
common illegal drug in Australia (Australia Institute of Health and Welfare 2020). The
consumption of cannabis of Australian population increased dramatically between
2016 and 2019 (Australia Institute of Health and Welfare 2020). Drug abuse may
result in not only physical and mental health issues, but also crime harming the
public, such as domestic violence. The crowdfunding is critical to support young
people to prevent illegal drug issues.

Reference list
Australia Institute of Health and Welfare 2020, Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in
Australia, viewed 25 September 2020,
<https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-
australia/contents/drug-types/cannabis>.

Department of Health 2019, Drug laws in Australia, Commonwealth of Australia,

viewed 25 September 2020, <https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/drugs/about-
drugs/drug-laws-in-australia>.

Education and Training 2020, Drug education, State Government of Victoria, viewed
25 September 2020,
<https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/phy
sed/Pages/drugeducation.aspx>.

Johnson, A 2020, ‘Drug use trends in Australia 2020’, drugsafe.com.au, 2 June,

viewed 25 September 2020, <https://drugsafe.com.au/drug-use-trends-australia-
2020/>.

National Institute on Drug Abuse 2014, Principles of adolescent substance use

disorder treatment: A research-based guide, viewed 25 September 2020,
<https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/podata_1_17_14.pdf>.