About Us
Faith & Recovery
Peer Support
Toolkits & Resources
Trainings & Library
Get Support
Join email list
Home
About Us
Statewide ROSC
Illinois Faith and Recovery Collaborative
Peer Support
Toolkits & Resources
Training & Library
Get Support
Join Email List
← go back

Youth

Why Youth Matter

Young people are experts in their own experiences and are powerful partners in creating healthier communities. By including youth in planning, leadership, and decision-making, coalitions can develop more relevant, effective, and sustainable solutions while helping build the next generation of community leaders.

The Youth Sector includes children, adolescents, and emerging adults. The goal is not simply to include youth - it is to create meaningful opportunities for leadership, shared decision-making, and influence.

Toolkit Icon
Pull Quote Icon

Community coalitions with active youth participation have been shown to achieve 15% - 20% reductions in youth substance use. (CDC)

Start Here: Core Sector Resources

Watch the training video and download the summary resource.

Watch the Training Video

A 20-30 minute video exploring how this sector plays a unique role in our communities, and strategies to engage them in recovery supports.

WATCH NOW
Start Here Icon

Download the Handout

A companion handout with key takeaways, discussion points, and practical next steps.

download pdf

Youth

at a Glance

Why engage

Youth

?

What can we do today to increase engagement with this sector?

Share Authentic Perspectives

Identify Emerging Issues Early

Reach Other Youth

Strengthen Prevention & Resilience

Reduce Stigma

30-second Elevator Pitch

"Young people understand the challenges, strengths, and opportunities in our community in ways adults often don't. Your voice can help us identify emerging needs, reduce stigma, and create solutions that truly work for youth. We'd love for you to join our coalition and help shape a healthier future for your generation and those who follow."

Quick Start: Small Steps, Big Impact

What can we do today to increase engagement with this sector?

Listen to youth and ask for their ideas & opinions

Meet youth where they are - work around their busy schedules

Make participation meaningful - give them real responsibilities

Remove barriers - provide transportation and meals

Focus on issues they care about - allow them to help identify priorities

back to sectors

Get Connected

Subscribe to our Newsletter.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Impact Icon 3

News & Updates

Subscribe to our Newsletter.

Home
About Us
Contact Us
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy

The Center for Community Engagement is funded in full or in part through a State Opioid Response Grant (TI085769) to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

© 2024-26 Center for Community Engagement at Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. CCE and the above logo are trademarks of Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. and must appear on any copy of any content you print or capture from the website. The Content may not be modified and may not be sold commercially. All Rights Reserved.