Youth Coalition
Youth Coalition Task Force
The Youth Coalition is dedicated to empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become proactive leaders in substance use prevention efforts. Through education, collaboration, and community engagement, youth members will learn how to identify challenges, promote healthy decision-making, and advocate for positive change related to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other substances.
By working alongside the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition and community partners, Youth Coalition members will help raise awareness of available resources, strengthen prevention efforts, and encourage healthy, substance-free lifestyles. Together, we are building the next generation of leaders committed to creating a safer, healthier Wilson County for all.
Benefits
Support
Provide youth with a safe and supportive environment where they are able to express their issues & concerns regarding substance misuse.
Involvement
Provide youth the opportunity to become involved in community service, policy advocacy, and personal enrichment.
Leadership
Provide youth the ability to exercise responsibility and leadership as well as build upon their knowledge and skills.
Prevention
Provide opportunities for youth to pursue their interests in prevention.
Featured Projects
Tobacco Prevention
The Youth Coalition has taken an active role in addressing risk factors associated with nicotine and vaping use in Wilson County. Members conducted projects examining the health harms associated with e-cigarette use and the proximity of vape shops to local schools. Through these efforts, youth developed valuable research, communication, and advocacy skills, culminating in a presentation delivered by a Youth Coalition member to a large audience of community leaders. In addition, members of the Youth Coalition of the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition participated in the North Carolina Region 7 Youth Digital Storytelling Contest, Project Open Air.
Project Sticker Shock (PSS)
Members of the Youth Coalition participated in Project Sticker Shock (PSS) on May 22, 2024. PSS aims to prevent underage youth from obtaining alcohol from adults 21 or older or using a fake ID to purchase alcohol by raising community awareness about North Carolina laws. During an event, participants placed stickers and window clings that warn about the legal consequences for providing alcohol to underage youth and using a fake ID to purchase alcohol on cases and coolers of alcohol at local retailers. This program encourages partnership between community organizations, youth, retail establishments, law enforcement, media, and other community members.