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.