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This is not how your story ends, it's just the beginning.
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
WHAT IS THE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL?
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a leadership-based program that empowers teens to shape prevention efforts, elevate youth voice, and create positive change across Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
The Youth Advisory Council is a group of high school teens who meet monthly to collaborate with Hope Above Fear on issues impacting young people — with a strong focus on substance use prevention, mental health, and healthy decision-making.
Council members help identify challenges teens face, share lived experience and insight, and contribute ideas that inform youth-focused programs, events, and awareness efforts.
WHAT COUNCIL MEMBERS DO
WHAT COUNCIL MEMBERS DO
WHAT COUNCIL MEMBERS DO
As a Youth Advisory Council member, teens may:
- Participate in monthly meetings focused on prevention and youth well-being
- Share insight on challenges facing teens in their schools and communities
- Help shape teen-focus events, programs, and awareness initiatives
- Volunteer at Hope Above Fear events and community outreach efforts
- Engage in leadership, advocacy, and service opportunities
Why Youth Voices Matter
WHAT COUNCIL MEMBERS DO
WHAT COUNCIL MEMBERS DO
Prevention is most effective when youth are part of the solution. The Youth Advisory Council creates space for teens to be heard, respected, and involved in meaningful decision-making.
At Hope Above Fear, youth voice is not symbolic — it is central. YAC members are encouraged to speak honestly, think critically, and collaborate with peers and adults who value their perspective.
YAC Project 25/26
2025-2026 YAC
Over the past year, these students engaged in meaningful discussions, explored research, and developed messaging they believe will resonate with their peers. Their yearlong project concluded with an interview featuring Escambia County Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Denny Wilson, the reveal of their student-created billboard campaign launching across town in August, and a celebration of their hard work and leadership.
Billboard project
Watching these students grow into advocates and change makers has been an honor. Prevention starts with connection—and youth voices matter.