We Are Change Rally

The We Are Change Rally has been celebrated for over a decade. Each year, thousands of young people from across the state convene in Columbus, Ohio, to show their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, deconstruct the stigma around teen substance misuse, and support one another with like-minded individuals.

As youth environments have evolved, young people have a greater awareness of overall mental well-being and its influence in disrupting substance use/misuse. Healthy youth are empowered youth, and the We Are Change Rally encourages youth to become change agents to create positive change for themselves, their peers, and their communities.

2024 We Are Change Rally | What's Poppin Ohio!?

In April of 2024, the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network's Youth Council will host the 13th annual We Are Change Rally. This year, we celebrate 'What's Poppin Ohio!?' by showcasing the hard work youth prevention groups across the state are doing. Every day, youth are becoming change-makers by advocating, promoting, and taking action toward decreasing substance misuse and eliminating mental health stigmas. Additionally, youth will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents and demonstrate what positive self-care looks like. Join our Youth Council as they highlight Ohio's youth nominated for this year's Maris Smock Award winner. The candidates will show great leadership skills and be symbols of positivity in the youth-led community. Students statewide will leave knowing the hard work and dedication put in by their peers is celebrated and recognized.

Rally Details

Date: April 19, 2024

Time: 10 AM - 1 PM

Location: KembaLIVE! | 405 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215

Cost: Free!

Registration closes March 20, 2024

Sponsorship Opportunities

Additional Rally Opportunities

Youth Passion Project

We are looking for youth and youth programs to submit passion projects highlighting the work they completed over the year. The passion project can be a change initiative, big or small, local or statewide. We want to hear all the amazing accomplishments youth have made throughout the year. If selected, PAA will assist in creating a short video about your passion project to be shown at the 2024 We Are Change Rally, where 1,200 youth will be able to share their excitement for the work you have been doing!

Deadline: Extended to February 20, 2024

Apply Here

Youth Performer Application

Calling all youth performers! Are you a skilled dancer? Maybe you’re into spoken Word? Are you a natural-born singer? If you have a special talent, we would love for you to showcase it at the We Are Change Rally!

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Apply Here

Marisa Smock Award Nomination

For the last several years, OYLPN has had the honor of presenting a young person in Ohio with the Marisa Smock Award. This young person should possess the same outstanding characteristics that Marisa embodied: positivity, passion for prevention, ability to make others feel like they belong, enthusiasm for leadership, ability to bring people together. Do you know a young person with these same qualities?

Deadline: March 22, 2024

Nominate Here