Team/Person of the Month!

Congrats to the 60 youth and adults who attended the DEA/CADCA Youth Leadership 3-day Training
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of its Operation Engage community-based prevention efforts, collaborated with the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA) in sponsoring a free Virtual Youth Leadership Core Essentials Training, September 17-19. Asher, a new Quincy Jones producer, song writer and singer, kicked off the event with a presentation on self-awareness, determination, resiliency, and knowing your worth. Additionally, on September 25, a Photovoice course emphasized the use of photography and caption writing as a means for advocacy, data collection, and social change.

The three-day workshop began with approximately 60 youth in grades 8-12, many from SAPC Prevention Provider networks, engaged in capacity building efforts designed to help coalitions, schools, and youth-serving organizations foster youth leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of action strategies for addressing community problems. They used evidence-based, problem-solving processes to create community change. Youth learned about and developed their own logic models and strategic approaches for making effective change within their communities and schools. A discussion of social and public issues included homelessness, bullying, using marijuana, selling alcohol to underage students, and even putting up streetlights in neighborhoods. Youth participants presented to a committee just as they would if they were applying for a grant or speaking to the Senate. Youth were engaged and inspired by the interests of the adults, but also felt a sense of community with the other youth to raise awareness of these issues. They gained foundational knowledge and skills to become “change agents” within local communities while building youth and adult partnerships. The activities provided a platform for youth to develop their “voice” and emphasized how to use that voice on civic engagement levels.

Recovery Month Hosts: Last month in observance of Recovery Month, the LAC Prevention Provider network planned and hosted community movie night. Especial recognition to the event hosts. Other supporting agencies assisted in the promotional efforts and in crafting substance use prevention messages played during intermissions.