CADCA believes that having a National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) is a chance to create a youth-adult partnership, have youth speak on behalf of youth populations, be strong ambassadors for CADCA, and grow in their leadership skills while promoting the importance and diversity of youth voices. CADCA desires to increase the knowledge of youths on topics such as substance misuse, equity, and mental, social, and physical health by helping to create a space that will encourage leading projects and programs, having and giving presentations, and continuing on their knowledge within prevention and public health spaces.

NYAC’s Five Pillars are:

National Advisory Youth Council members must be 14-18 years of age by September 1, 2023. Members must serve a two-year term (October 2023 – September 2025) and cannot serve more than one term. NYAC members are expected to participate in a certain number of meetings and activities throughout the two years.

Key features of the NYAC include: