Nearly 70 teens from three SW Washington counties will learn from nationally-trained youth leaders how individuals can make a differencence in their communities through policy-making and laws. The Use Your Voice workshop, held at Washougal High School on December 21st, is completely led and organized by youth facilitators with experience working with decision-makers and government leaders.
Middle and high school students from Clark, Klickitat and Skamania Counties who attend the workshop will be invited to put their learning into practice in Olympia on Prevention Policy Day (February 18) by the Washington Association of Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention (WASAVP). They’ll have meetings with their own senators and representatives to share their youth voice around substance abuse, prevention and building healthy communities.
Youth facilitators presenting at Use Your Voice include:
- Madison Langer, Tobacco Free Kids Youth Ambassador
- Jesse Jimenez, Police Activities League Coordinator and Prevent Coalition Committee Chair
- Bridgette McCarthy, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Youth Leader
Also on the agenda is Washington State Representative Paul Harris to share a short speech about youth empowerment, using your voice and getting involved in government.
Hosted by Youth Now (an initiative of Prevent Coalition) this workshop is funded through the Washington State Department of Health dedicated marijuana account funding.
About Prevent Coalition
Founded in 2006, Prevent Coalition is a group of diverse community members working together using an evidence-based framework to prevent youth substance abuse in Clark County, WA. Working in collaboration with parents, youth, schools, media, business, government, faith communities, law enforcement, youth-serving organizations, civic groups, health care professionals, and prevention organizations, Prevent Coalition is focused on improving the environment surrounding youth to create a community culture that promotes prevention and honors healthy living. Find toolkits, resources, and information about addiction, prevention, and resilience for adults and youth at PreventCoalition.org.