2025 ACSA Lead With Pride Summit

This workshop will explore innovative ways to empower young people and strengthen organizational partnerships in the context of Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE). Designed for educators, community leaders, and youth-serving organizations, this session highlights the importance of amplifying youth voices in cannabis prevention and addressing the triangulum, especially among health disparity groups, while fostering systematic collaborations that drive long-term impact.

Participants will gain insights into how partnerships within and across organizations can enhance outreach, increase capacity, and effectively engage priority populations. Through an interactive session, we will explore strategies to build meaningful collaborations, address health disparities, and create inclusive, youth-centered programs.

Two youth-led initiatives will take center stage in this workshop: the Peer Advocate Advisory Council (PAAC) and the Unity Youth Conference (UYC) Planning Committee. These programs demonstrate how youth leadership can shape advocacy, awareness, and community-building projects to drive impactful change in cannabis prevention.
PAAC is a youth leadership group in Santa Clara County dedicated to advancing health equity through community advocacy, peer education, and media campaigns. Members lead initiatives grounded in research and innovation, addressing issues that matter most to their peers. Their efforts highlight the power of youth leadership in creating a healthier future for their peers in Santa Clara County.

The Unity Youth Conference, designed and led by the youth planning committee, is a vibrant platform for fostering allyship, pride, and inclusivity. Featuring engaging youth led workshops, wellness resources, and drag art, the conference provides a safe and celebratory space for ALL youth. The UYC demonstrates how events planned by youth can empower their communities while addressing critical health topics, such as cannabis prevention and mental wellness.

Attendees will also learn how to incorporate data-based decision-making into project facilitation, outreach efforts, and organizational partnerships. This approach ensures that interventions are targeted, effective, and impactful for priority populations, such as LGBTQ+ youth affected by cannabis use and health inequities.
By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with actionable strategies for enhancing partnerships and supporting youth-led initiatives. They will leave inspired to foster youth empowerment, build capacity, and create sustainable systems that amplify youth voices and serve their communities effectively.