Youth Substance Use Prevention
Empower Youth Network supports student-driven substance use prevention campaigns in the Riverview School District and Snoqualmie Valley School District.
Did You Know?
Misperceptions about youth substance use are hidden risk factors.
Youth often over estimate the number of their peers who use alcohol and drugs. Youth who perceive the majority of their peers are using substances are more likely to use substances themselves. By focusing on the positive factors that already exist, we can create new norms. When most students believe that their peers do not drink or use drugs, it takes the pressure off of them, and they are more empowered to make safe and healthy choices.
Empower Youth Network’s substance use prevention programs challenge those misperceptions and create new, more accurate perceptions of youth substance use.
These Positive Community Norms Campaigns are designed to increase awareness and correct misperceived norms around youth substance use. We use data from the WA State Healthy Youth Survey to show there are positive norms that already exist in the community.
MORE INFORMATION
Follow these Campaigns on Instagram
- Stay true, stay you – Riverview School District
- Clear minds, good times – Snoqualmie Valley School District
What to Expect this Year
- Promotional giveaways
- Student focus groups and surveys
- Educational talks on substance use
- Staff and parent communication about campaigns
Why we Care
We have great kids in our community! We want to empower them to make safe and healthy choices.
Resources
To talk or text with someone:
- Teen Link: Helpline for Teens by Teens & Resources
- Crisis Connections: Helpline & Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Hotline
Facts and tips:
- Washington State Healthy Youth Survey
- Laced and Lethal: Learn About Fentanyl in King County
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Rethinking Drinking
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Facts & Resources
More tools and tips for adults in the community can be found on our It Starts With You community campaign page.
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
UPCOMING FREE PROGRAMMING
Keri Phillips
Substance Use Prevention and Community Campaign Coordinator
UPCOMING FREE EVENTS
- October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week! Stay tuned for more details.
Keri Phillips
Substance Use Prevention and Community Campaign Coordinator
Keri is the Substance Use Prevention and Community Campaign Coordinator. Originally from California, she moved to Washington just after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication at California State University, Fullerton and instantly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. As a Snoqualmie Valley resident for nearly 20 years, a parent of two amazing kids and most recently earning a Masters in Teaching at WGU, she brings education, passion and experience to this role. She has always been dedicated to the mission and values of Empower Youth Network and is excited to be a part of the team.
She loves spending quality time with her husband and kids, walks with friends, local events, puzzles and board games.
Our Mission
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