A Reflection on CADCA's Largest In-Person Mid-Year Yet!
Something I realized and have grown exponentially grateful for over the last two years, is that the ability to convene prevention leaders from around the world, in one shared space, is a privilege. A month has passed since we reunited in Orlando for Mid-Year, and throughout the whirlwind week of training, I was reminded again and again of the inspiring work you do in your communities and how important it is to gather to exchange stories and strategies with other prevention advocates.
Mid-Year is Almost Here!
In just a few short days, prevention leaders, partners and advocates from across the globe will reunite at CADCA’s 21st Annual Mid-Year Training Institute – our largest in-person Mid-Year to-date! As CADCA’s Vice President of Communications and Meetings, and on behalf of our staff, trainers and prevention partners, we cannot wait to welcome everyone back to the sunny city of Orlando, Florida.
Youth Spotlight: Vinayak Menon
I have been active as the Youth Sector Leader of my coalition for the past 4 years. I have found great joy in being part of the solution to the crisis of substance use which is taking the lives of many in our nation. Throughout my prevention journey, whether it was meeting legislators at Capitol Hill, organising town halls or simply volunteering at coalition events, I’ve been able to learn so much.
Youth Spotlight: Andrea Marquez
CADCA Youth Trainer, Andrea Marquez, graduated this May from Occidental College with a major in Latin American studies and a double minor in history and education. This fall, she will pursue a master’s degree in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan. In this blog post, she reflects on her journey as a youth trainer and prevention advocate, and how her experiences have led to her passion for educational equity and social transformation.
Youth Spotlight: Jabeen Sheikh
Jabeen Sheikh, member of the Youth Leadership Council for Community in Crisis (CIC) and CADCA’s National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC), will graduate from Ridge High School this June, and in 2023 will transfer to Cornell University on the pre-med track.
Youth Spotlight: Jaleyna Lawes
Jaleyna Lawes, member of CADCA’s National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC), will graduate this June from Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida. This upcoming fall, Jaleyna will attend Yale University to study the History of Science, Medicine and Public Health. In this blog post, she shares how she was first introduced to the prevention field, her experience as an NYAC member and her future aspirations.
Youth Spotlight: Yurimar Santiago
Yurimar Santiago, a CADCA Youth Trainer, will graduate this June with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. In this blog post, Yurimar shares her journey in the prevention field, her future goals and how the two intersect.
NCA Reflections: The Final Stretch
This past October, Natalie Kulick, CADCA’s Communications Associate, had the opportunity to virtually attend Week Three of training at CADCA’s National Coalition Academy (NCA). She recounts her experience here:
NCA Reflections: Putting Knowledge into Practice
Last month, Natalie Kulick, CADCA’s Communications Associate, had the opportunity to virtually attend the second week of training at CADCA’s National Coalition Academy (NCA). She reflects on her experience here:
NCA Reflections: An Introduction to Prevention
Last month, Natalie Kulick, CADCA’s Communications Associate, had the opportunity to virtually attend the first week of training at CADCA’s National Coalition Academy (NCA) with the Tennessee cohort. She reflects on her experience here: