Heading up U.S. Highway 85 to Greeley, the signs are hard to miss. Huge, militant pink and black letters urge you to R.E.S.I.S.T., and they’re plastered on ominous-looking billboards with pictures of teenagers. At first glance, it looks like the latest Army recruitment slogan. But alas, no. These signs have only one thing on their minds. And it ain’t terrorists.
They’re part of Weld County’s abstinence education program, which teaches teens that they’re "worth the wait!" until marriage. The slogan, R.E.S.I.S.T., is a modern day crusade: Radically Empowering Students in Slaying Temptation. Slay the dragons, kids, slay them!
This message is spread through the Weld County schools, the health department, the Girl Scouts. There’s a R.E.S.I.S.T youth coalition and even a program to teach Latina girls how to avoid "risky behavior" during their Quinceañera.
At least $165,000 of your money -- county and federal funds -- bankrolls the program every year, according to its website. So you might as well embrace the R.E.S.I.S.T-ance movement. It’s coming to a roadside near you. -- Lisa Rab
