KEY ESSENTIALS

In the Youth Leadership Key Essentials Course youth gain foundational knowledge and skills to become “change agents” within local communities while building youth and adult partnerships. To support the training transfer and generate outcomes, participants are encouraged to take action via “Youth-In-Action” Projects.

ADVANCED

The Youth Leadership Advanced Course is designed for youth who have completed the Youth Leadership Key Essentials for an opportunity to take their community problem solving skills to the next level. Going deeper, a primary focus is placed on developing, documenting and implementing comprehensive “Youth-In-Action” Technical assistance is available to support local implementation. In addition, youth design effective advocacy campaigns.

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE

Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valuable. This course teaches young people how to do just that by learning the necessary skills for advocating before local, state and federal legislatures. The main objective with this training is to up build the next generation of advocates.

PHOTOVOICE

Youth are the key change agents and technology leaders of today which is why Photovoice is highly regarded as an important component of Youth Leadership. Photovoice allows young to creatively express themselves and develop a critical consciousness around community issues. Evaluations of Photovoice projects have demonstrated that the processes of reflection, dialogue, and voice have helped participants become more active and empowered citizens. Photovoice is offered as an add-on to any customized Youth Leadership training.

NATIONAL EVENTS

Our Youth Leadership Trainings are offered at CADCA’s two National Training events; the National Leadership Forum and the Mid-Year Training Institute. If you can hardly wait and would rather have us come to your city, town or state, Youth Leadership can come to you! Please email youth@cadca.org or contact us at 1.800.54.CADCA ext. 249 to submit your request for training today!

TRAINING OF TRAINERS

An additional way to grow with Youth Leadership, the Training of Trainers Course involves a highly selective process that CADCA uses to choose its next generation of National Youth Trainers. This is an opportunity for youth who have completed the Key Essentials Course and have an authentic desire to empower other young people to take action around drug use prevention.

This video explains the concepts learned in Youth Leadership and how it impacts youth.  It features interviews by three of CADCA's Youth Leadership Trainers.