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 2023-2024 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.
Abraham (He/Him)
Hi, my name is Abraham! From doodling to designing, attending Tolles CTC for the past two years is part of my grand journey to becoming an engineer. Along the way, I’ve talked my way into many clubs, from NTHS to OYLPN. As I grow, my goals grow bigger. With OYLPN, I hope to fight against the stigmas surrounding mental health.
Alyssa (She/Her)
Hello! My name is Alyssa, and I am from Dayton, Ohio. My hobbies include hiking, reading, and going to Taco Bell with my friends. I am a Senior in high school, where I am a part of the varsity lacrosse team, Network Club, and NHS. I hope to major in Neuroscience at Brigham Young University. By joining OYPLN, I have the opportunity to encourage other teens to live a substance-free life, which makes me excited!
Brina (She/Her)
Hi, my name is Brina! I am a Senior, and I go to Amherst Steele High School. Some of my hobbies include baking and running. I joined OYLPN to help advocate and plan ideas for raising awareness of drug abuse and addiction. My future plans include going to college for a career in the medical field.
Charlie (She/Her)
My name is Charlie; I am from the northeast corner of Ohio. I am a freshman in high school and enjoy being a percussionist in the band. I joined OYLPN in hopes of gaining better leadership skills and social skills.
Devin (He/Him)
Hi! My name is Devin, and I am a senior at Fairfield High School in Butler County. I’m so excited about the statewide impact of empowering our peers in healthy lifestyles that OYLPN allows us to make. Outside of OYLPN, I am no stranger to prevention. As a senior officer at the Fairfield Prevention Coalition, I pride myself on working tirelessly to promote healthy behaviors in my community. I’ve taken this further as a Teen Ambassador for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office- advising him about the real issues happening in our communities. With that said, there is always room for fun…I enjoy running, hanging with friends, volunteering, and attending all the events in my community. After high school, I plan to pursue a degree in public policy and then get my JD. Long term, I hope to be a lawyer.
Hamza (He/Him)
Do you want to help me make a change in the world? If so, my name is Hamza, and I’m a 12th grader at Tolles in central Ohio. My hobbies are watching shows, playing with my siblings, and building things. My future plan is to attend college for Mechanical Engineering. With your help and guidance, we can make a change.
Lucia (She/Her)
Hi friends! My name is Lucia! Currently, I am a Junior at Miami Trace High School. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and playing instruments. Electric and bass guitars are my two favorite types to play. After graduation, I plan to major in science. Prevention is important to me because it gives me an opportunity to advocate my feelings, my voice, and my opinion. In OYLPN this year, my focus will be creating change and witnessing progress. I hope to meet all of you this year at the We Are Change Rally!
Madison (She/Her)
My name is Madison, and I am a senior from Beavercreek High School. I do gymnastics, pole vault, participate in Spanish Club, and help lead my school’s Network Club, which promotes healthy lifestyles among youth. In my free time, I love spending time with friends, reading, and going on crazy adventures. I am excited to make a difference through OYLPN!
Mohamed (He/Him)
Hello! My name is Mohamed. I am a Senior at Tolles Career and Technical Center, focusing on engineering, which I plan to major in after high school. I am actively involved in school life- I have a role in NTHS, serve as a Youth School Ambassador, and am on the Student Council. Additionally, I am the Vice President of Skills USA for my school. Beyond my academic pursuits, I find joy in biking, running, and skiing. My goal is to create a positive impact on my community, which is why I joined OYLPN; it aligns exactly with my goals!
Olive (They/Them)
Hi! I’m Olive, from Morrow County. My favorite genre of music is metal, and I’m really passionate about art. I’m a cheerleader and play DND. I joined OYLPN because I want to help advocate for youth who have a bad reputation. I also want to advocate for mental health and LGBTQ representation. I look forward to a fun year on the Youth Council and hope to see you at the We Are Change Rally!
Reese (She/Her)
My name is Reese, and I am a senior from Dayton, Ohio. At my school, I play soccer, run track, sing in our women’s choir, and participate in our Network Club to promote drug-free lifestyles among youth. Some of my favorite activities include reading, playing with my dogs, and spending time with my family and friends. I am excited to be a part of OYLPN this year because I want to make a difference in the world, and this is a great place to start!
Tayanna (She/Her)
Hi! My name is Tayanna, and I am a senior at Archbold High School in Fulton County. In my free time, I enjoy playing in my school’s band and being on the varsity tennis team. I joined OYLPN a few years ago and enjoy learning to advocate for change and help other youth do the same. After high school, I plan on attending BGSU with a major in Forensic Examination with hopes of joining the FBI.
