OYLPN Youth Council

The Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network (OYLPN) Youth Council comprises adolescents in grades 9-12 who share the common goal of expanding the understanding and importance of substance use/misuse prevention, mental health promotion, and youth empowerment. Through a strategic planning process with guidance from their Adult Allies, the youth council identifies an area of focus relevant to youth. It works to impact community change with their peers. Through comprehensive prevention strategies, youth council members develop and implement activities and messaging around their area of focus to engage with peers and adults across the state.

OYLPN YOUTH COUNCIL FAQ

What’s in it for me?

As a member of the OYLPN Youth Council, you will gain a voice in prevention as well as join a community of like-minded individuals who are working together to become agents of change. You will have opportunities to speak to local legislators and statewide prevention advocates and join the many youth actively walking Ohio’s path to prevention. Additionally, you will play an integral role in planning the annual We Are Change Rally.

How do I get involved?

Watch for flyers, links, or posts promoted by the OYLPN Facebook and Instagram and the PAA Facebook and Instagram pages. You can click here to apply! As a bonus, the Youth Council will be highlighted at the We Are Change Rally- allowing for ample opportunities to get involved or to find out more info.

What are the commitments?

Members of the Youth Council are invited to engage in monthly in-person meetings scheduled for the first Saturday of each month. These will be held at Prevention Action Alliance’s office in Columbus, Ohio. Virtual meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month in the evening. Additionally, attendance is mandatory at both the OYLPN Youth Council Retreat and the We Are Change Rally. Other opportunities may be presented as well but will not be mandatory.

Are there any fees or costs to join?

There is absolutely no cost to joining the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network’s Youth Council. Youth will be provided with food during meetings and mileage reimbursements to and from meetings.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Youth interested in applying must currently reside in Ohio and be in grades 9 through 12. They would also be living a substance-free life. It is not mandatory to be a member of a local youth-led or other prevention organization.

How do I know if I am a good fit?

There is no checklist for youth-led prevention! OYLPN’s YC is a great place for teens who are dependable, open-minded, adaptable, and respectful. Qualities and characteristics may differ from person to person- one thing to keep in mind is that you are all leaders in your own way. We all bring something different to the table.

I have more questions!/I’m interested in applying!

For youth interested in applying or receiving more information, please fill out this form!

Meet the 2024-2025 Youth Council!

The OYLPN Youth Council provides the opportunity for youth to make an impact in the lives of teens across Ohio, develop their leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills, and build relationships with other teens dedicated to making our world a better place.

Addison

Hi, my name is Addison. I’m a sophomore this year. I joined OYLPN to become more active in mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Having been around people who struggle with mental health—and having struggled myself—I want to ensure everyone knows they have a voice.

Addysen

Hello! My name is Addysen, and I’m 16 years old. I’m currently in 11th grade and attending cosmetology school in southern Ohio. I have a variety of hobbies, including sewing, painting, and digital art. I also enjoy taking care of my five dogs, two cats, and a few unique fish! When I graduate, I plan to go into the medical field working as a forensic nurse!

Alake

Hello! My name is Alake, and I am currently a senior in high school. I am a proud member of OYLPN. I joined this alliance because I am excited to advocate for and represent teens across Ohio, serving as a voice for them. In my spare time, I enjoy doing hair and running track.

When I graduate high school, I plan to pursue a nursing career with hopes of becoming a nurse anesthesiologist. Fun fact—I’ve been to New York about three times this summer alone!

Alencya

I want to help youth find better ways to cope with trauma and discover a new world of skills and resources. I have always felt passionate about working with teens and supporting them in making the right decisions regarding their health and well-being. As a teen myself, I understand the pressures and challenges that other teens face daily, and I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me.

I am committed to providing teens with accurate information about substance abuse and its associated risks. I believe that education is the first step in helping teens make informed decisions. As a peer advocate, I share my personal experiences with teens to show them they are not alone and that there is hope. By sharing my story and listening to theirs, I help teens feel seen and heard, empowering them to make healthier choices.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me! I look forward to sharing more about my journey in the future.

Charlie F.

Hi! I'm Charlie. This is my second year in OYLPN, and I'm a sophomore. I enjoy being a part of my school's show choir, women's choir, marching/concert band, and track team. I also enjoy arts and crafts in my free time.

I joined and continue to be a part of OYLPN because I want to expand and improve my leadership and social skills. I also strive to make a positive impact on youth mental health and help adult allies better understand what today's youth are going through and how to support them.

Charlie W.

I am a member of OYLPN because I aspire to make a positive impact within my community. Something to know about me is that I love traveling and trivia. Lastly, an activity I enjoy in my free time is playing Geoguessr—to say the least, I take pride in just about everything!

Davon

My mission as part of the Ohio Youth Lead Prevention Network is to use my leadership qualities to empower others to step up and make their voices heard. Taking initiative is something not everyone feels capable of doing, so as a youth leader, I strive to step forward first, paving the way for others to follow.

Jordan

Hi, my name is Jordan. I am a sophomore in high school and a member of Model UN and my school's show choir. I joined OYLPN because I have dealt with my own mental health challenges for years, and I believe that all youth deserve a chance to have a voice about their experiences and to know that they are not alone.

Keira

Hi! I’m Keira. I am a sophomore in high school, and I do a lot of sports like cross country, track, and swim. I joined the youth council because I feel it is important to learn and spread mental health awareness. I struggle with mental health myself and realize how important it is to have an understanding of what mental health entails and what teens go through.

Lakshmi

Hey!! My name is Lakshmi. I'm a senior in high school from Northeast Ohio. I joined OYLPN to make a positive impact in my community, especially among teens. Through OYLPN, I want to gain leadership skills and be in a supportive environment. By connecting with diverse peers across Ohio, I believe I will gain knowledge and see the world through different lenses. After graduating from high school, I plan to go to college to major in Computer Science and Business. Fun fact about me: I’ve been to Niagara Falls nine times!!

Lucia

Hi! I am a second-year member of OYLPN and a senior in high school. In my free time, I love to enjoy everything music related such as playing instruments, going to concerts and listening to records. OYLPN is very important to me because it allows me to advocate for my generation. I have always loved to speak on behalf of my friends and this platform allows me to do so. I can’t wait to see you all at the rally this year!

Tay

Hello! My name is Tay! I go by any pronouns. I joined OYLPN to get involved in something bigger than just my personal community. I want to help make a beneficial difference, and I believe our youth are a tremendous portion of that. I am in 11th grade and am involved in many parts of my community, including Speech & Debate, Track & Field, STEM Club, Student Advisory Council, BYC, Technology Student Association, Network Club, International Club, and more. I have a love and curiosity for exploring new places and activities.

Marianna

Hi, I’m Marianna! I’m a senior and joined OYLPN to make a difference and connect with other teens. I’m a varsity athlete in golf, track, and basketball, and I serve as my school’s student body president. Outside of school, I enjoy building Legos and hanging out with friends.

I plan to study pre-med/biology in college and then head to med school to become a pediatric surgeon in the Army. One day, I hope to work as a medical missionary. Fun fact: I’m allergic to most animals!

Nihar

Hi, my name is Nihar, and I am a junior this year. I joined the Ohio Youth Led Prevention Network, aka (OYLPN), to become more active in mental health advocacy. I always believed it was “made up” or unimportant, but it is very real and needs advocating for. I love being involved in everything we do and what we stand for, both physically and mentally. Our voices are heard, and we truly are the change.

Noor

Hey, my name is Noor. I’m a junior in career school. I joined the Ohio Youth Led Prevention Network to make a positive impact in my community by promoting drug-free lifestyles and supporting mental well-being among my peers. Through OYLPN, I want to gain leadership skills. I also joined to connect with like-minded individuals across Ohio, building a supportive network of peers who are passionate about making a difference.

Olive

I’m a senior in high school, so this is my last year in OYLPN. I’m a cheerleader, I play DND, and I have four very beautiful and well-fed cats at home. I love being able to give myself a voice through advocating for what I believe in, and I’m hoping to make change in the world one small step at a time. OYLPN has given me the boost I needed to personally advocate for disability accommodations, clean drinking water, and safe spaces in my community.

Samuel

Hi! My name is Samuel, and this is my first year as a member of OYLPN. I am a senior in high school, and I am the captain of my high school golf team. As a member of the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network, I am excited to be a change not just in my community, but also to inspire others to be the change in their communities all across the state of Ohio. I can’t wait for what we’re doing this year with the podcast and the rally; it’s going to be a great year and a great opportunity!

William

Hi, my name is William, and I am a junior this year. I joined the Ohio Youth Led Prevention Network to become more active in mental health and drug prevention for high school students. From my previous experience, I see a huge need for spreading more awareness of high school mental health. Additionally, I enjoy advocating for such an important issue and find it essential, which is why I joined OYLPN.