Not Just a Strategy, But the Heartbeat of Our Work: The Importance of Youth Engagement in Drug-Free Communities Coalitions

CONTEXT: The role of youth engagement within Drug-Free Communities (DFC) coalitions, strategies used by coalitions, and actionable recommendations for new and expanding DFC programs. PROGRAM: Youth engagement in DFC coalitions is most effective when coalitions position youth as co-creators, leaders, and drivers of environmental change. IMPLEMENTATION: Exploring youth engagement from the perspective of empowerment, youth-adult partnerships, youth as active co-constructors, focus on environmental change, and skill enhancement. Each focus area will draw on examples from coalitions receiving DFC funding. DISCUSSION: Findings draw on DFC National Cross-Site Evaluation data and qualitative examples from DFC coalitions. Coalitions using these strategies and values experience stronger engagement, sustainability, and community impact.