WHAT IS Youth to Youth?
Youth to Youth engages young people through meaningful activities and experiences to develop and implement their own ideas to create positive change. Our original youth-driven, adult guided programming has set the standard for youth development and prevention programming across this country and around the world.
THE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF YOUTH TO YOUTH
The emphases in Youth to Youth’s model makes it an international leader in the field because:
- Youth to Youth’s message is a clear cut “NO” to alcohol, tobacco or any other drug at any time. Maturing teens need definitive guidelines.
- Youth to Youth is uniquely teen centered. While the importance and necessity of parents, teachers, and other concerned adults are acknowledged, Youth to Youth also recognizes the overwhelming peer resources that are available. The teens that participate in Youth to Youth play significant roles in the decision making process, so they feel responsible for the program’s success.
- Youth to Youth focuses its programs on issues that teens are most likely to face while growing up today: alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, prescription drug abuse & misuse, relationships, bullying, stress, anxiety, peer pressure, suicidal thought, self-concept, community responsibility, etc.
- Youth to Youth stresses the value of developing leadership skills: teens comprise the Youth Advisory Board; are trained in public speaking; teach other teens and adults at conferences, training’s, and workshops; facilitate small discussion groups; and plan and help coordinate all special events.
- Youth to Youth programs involve teenagers from various socio-economic conditions, preparing youth for real-life relationships which include individuals of diverse backgrounds.
- Youth to Youth emphasizes the development of necessary life skills: youth participate in training’s and opportunities that establish or enhance communication skills, decision-making skills, critical thinking skills, etc., so they will be better equipped to handle any situation.
- Youth to Youth goes beyond merely presenting information on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Capitalizing on the emotional involvement that comes from working in small groups, the program encourages personal growth, presents techniques that teens can use to change their own environments, and provides alternatives to harmful behaviors.
Youth to Youth Mission
Youth to Youth’s mission is to engage young people through meaningful discussions, activities, and experiences to develop and implement their own ideas to create positive change. For over 33 years, Youth to Youth has led the way in effective prevention programming with youth in the forefront. Bringing youth together with a common bond of living free of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, allows them to serve as role models to their peers and younger students.
OUR VISION
Research on adolescent development confirms that when adolescents feel safe and secure, loved and accepted, and have a sense of purpose and meaning in life they are less likely to engage in unhealthy misguided behaviors; this is the premise of the Youth to Youth model. Our original youth-driven, adult guided programming has set the standard for youth development and prevention programming across this country and around the world.
Youth Energy
Energy is directed toward positive action to influence others through drug-free beliefs and other healthy behaviors.
Empowerment
Teens feel empowered to voice the benefits of being drug-free, to be themselves, and to see the value in diversity and the acceptance of others.
Opportunity
Opportunity is given to all youth to develop their leadership skills to impact their schools & communities.
OUR VALUES
Youth to Youth strives through its programming, youth–centered philosophy, and caring adults to insure that:
- Youth energy is directed toward positive action
- Teens feel empowered to voice the benefits of being drug-free
- Teens feel responsible for themselves and others
- Teens see the value in diversity and the acceptance of others
- Opportunity is given to all youth to develop their leadership skills to impact their schools & communities
Through participation in Youth to Youth, young people know that they can positively influence others and will be strongly supported in their drug-free beliefs and other healthy behaviors. They also develop character and skills that will help them grow into competent and caring adults.
Throughout the years, Youth to Youth has continued to research and listen to the needs and ideas of teens, parents, schools and national prevention leaders. Consistently striving for improvement, Youth to Youth continues to expand the program’s outreach and remain fresh and relevant to today’s youth.