Coalition resources: Coalition Stories
Too often what makes the news are stories of youth drug use. On Thursday, 1800 youth from Ohio held a rally in Columbus with the hopes that a different message would make the news – that the majority of teens don’t use drugs and alcohol.
The 3rd annual “We Are the Majority” rally and concert was organized by members of the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network (OYLPN), under the guidance of CADCA member, the Drug Free Action Alliance (DFAA). Students from across the state attended the event to show that they are in the majority of teens, those who do not use drugs or alcohol.
“One of the most common misconceptions from our society is that a majority of young people are making detrimental decisions that affect the rest of their lives. However, research has continuously shown that a vast majority of youth are making positive, healthy choices,” said Marcie Seidel, Executive Director of Drug Free Action Alliance. “The young people who make up the OYLPN understand that message and want other kids to celebrate their decisions to make positive decisions and become future leaders in their communities.”
The We are the Majority message came from the first generation of the OYLPN, 15 high school students who were “sick of the adult messaging seen in campaigns like ’Just Say No’,” explains Tony Coder, Assistant Director of DFAA. They wanted to send clear message to let other young people know that most of their peers are not using drugs and alcohol, Coder said.
It was these youth coalition members who started the rally three years ago, as a way to spread the We are the Majority message statewide. With 400 in attendance the first year, 1100 last year, and 1800 this year, the rally has continues to expand and reach more young people across Ohio.
This rally and the work of OYLPN members have already impacted drug abuse prevention policy in Ohio. Inspired by the work of OYLPN, Governor John Kasich, a guest at last year’s rally, announced 22 Building Youth Resiliency grants totaling $1.5 million as part of the new Start Talking! youth drug prevention initiative.
The OYLPN consists of 15 high-school youth from around the state who are focused on peer-to-peer prevention strategies and promoting healthy lifestyles for youth in Ohio. Youth coalition members of OYLPN are being trained in evidence-based prevention practices, learning to become stronger advocates for drug prevention. They are writing editorial letters, and meeting with their elected officials to spread their message of peer-to-peer prevention.
This year, the OYLPN incorporated into the rally discussions of teen depression, mental health, and other factors, which tie into substance abuse issues. Working with the Ohio National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), part of the rally featured a resiliency march around the state house to draw the connection between youth mental health and substance abuse.
The We are the Majority message is spreading. Two smaller rallies in other parts of Ohio were held concurrently with the main event, and groups outside of the state are reaching out to OYLPN and DFAA to learn more about their methods and the campaign. The day of the rally, adult supporters were given a toolkit on how to effectively run events in their own community. DFAA has also held webinars, and is currently redesigning their website to make information more accessible to other youth coalitions looking to sponsor their own events.
Mario Barrett, Grammy-nominated performer and founder of The Mario Do Right Foundation, a non-profit youth development organization with emphasis on substance abuse prevention, was the keynote speaker and provided a free concert to rally participants. Mario was introduced to the OYLPN and DFAA at CADCA’s 2014 National Leadership Forum.
Social media tools have been vital in organizing the rally, and spreading the word on peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention. To connect with OLYPN or the We Are the Majority campaign, visit:
OLYPN's Facebook Page
We are the Majority's Facebook Page
Twitter
Pinterest
Blog
The teen members of OYLPN have completely taken charge of their message and outreach to their peers and their communities. For adults, Coder says, the trick is letting youth take charge. With a little guidance and motivation, “their creativity and hard work, what they put into it, they will amaze you.”
The 3rd annual “We Are the Majority” rally and concert was organized by members of the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network (OYLPN), under the guidance of CADCA member, the Drug Free Action Alliance (DFAA). Students from across the state attended the event to show that they are in the majority of teens, those who do not use drugs or alcohol.
“One of the most common misconceptions from our society is that a majority of young people are making detrimental decisions that affect the rest of their lives. However, research has continuously shown that a vast majority of youth are making positive, healthy choices,” said Marcie Seidel, Executive Director of Drug Free Action Alliance. “The young people who make up the OYLPN understand that message and want other kids to celebrate their decisions to make positive decisions and become future leaders in their communities.”
The We are the Majority message came from the first generation of the OYLPN, 15 high school students who were “sick of the adult messaging seen in campaigns like ’Just Say No’,” explains Tony Coder, Assistant Director of DFAA. They wanted to send clear message to let other young people know that most of their peers are not using drugs and alcohol, Coder said.
It was these youth coalition members who started the rally three years ago, as a way to spread the We are the Majority message statewide. With 400 in attendance the first year, 1100 last year, and 1800 this year, the rally has continues to expand and reach more young people across Ohio.
This rally and the work of OYLPN members have already impacted drug abuse prevention policy in Ohio. Inspired by the work of OYLPN, Governor John Kasich, a guest at last year’s rally, announced 22 Building Youth Resiliency grants totaling $1.5 million as part of the new Start Talking! youth drug prevention initiative.
The OYLPN consists of 15 high-school youth from around the state who are focused on peer-to-peer prevention strategies and promoting healthy lifestyles for youth in Ohio. Youth coalition members of OYLPN are being trained in evidence-based prevention practices, learning to become stronger advocates for drug prevention. They are writing editorial letters, and meeting with their elected officials to spread their message of peer-to-peer prevention.
This year, the OYLPN incorporated into the rally discussions of teen depression, mental health, and other factors, which tie into substance abuse issues. Working with the Ohio National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), part of the rally featured a resiliency march around the state house to draw the connection between youth mental health and substance abuse.
The We are the Majority message is spreading. Two smaller rallies in other parts of Ohio were held concurrently with the main event, and groups outside of the state are reaching out to OYLPN and DFAA to learn more about their methods and the campaign. The day of the rally, adult supporters were given a toolkit on how to effectively run events in their own community. DFAA has also held webinars, and is currently redesigning their website to make information more accessible to other youth coalitions looking to sponsor their own events.
Mario Barrett, Grammy-nominated performer and founder of The Mario Do Right Foundation, a non-profit youth development organization with emphasis on substance abuse prevention, was the keynote speaker and provided a free concert to rally participants. Mario was introduced to the OYLPN and DFAA at CADCA’s 2014 National Leadership Forum.
Social media tools have been vital in organizing the rally, and spreading the word on peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention. To connect with OLYPN or the We Are the Majority campaign, visit:
OLYPN's Facebook Page
We are the Majority's Facebook Page
Blog
The teen members of OYLPN have completely taken charge of their message and outreach to their peers and their communities. For adults, Coder says, the trick is letting youth take charge. With a little guidance and motivation, “their creativity and hard work, what they put into it, they will amaze you.”
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