Rock County Youth 2 Youth

Rock County Youth 2 Youth’s mission is to harness the powerful influence of peer pressure - making it a positive force that encourages young people to live free of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

Rock County Y2Y’s vision is to create a drug free community, thus improving the health of Rock County residents.

Youth 2 Youth - The Model Program:

• Youth 2 Youth’s message is a clear cut “NO” to tobacco, alcohol, and any other drug at any time. Maturing youth need definte guidelines.
• Youth 2 Youth is uniquely youth centered. While the importance and necessity of parents, teachers, and other concerned adults are acknowledged, Y2Y does not underestimate the overwhelming peer resource that is available. The youth that participate in Y2Y play significant roles in the decision making process so they feel responsible for the program’s success.
• Youth 2 Youth focusses its programs on issues that youth are most likely to face while growing up today: tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, negative peer pressure, AIDS, sexuality, suicide, education, career concerns, self-concept, community responsibility, etc.
• Youth 2 Youth stresses the development of leadership skills. Youth comprise the Advisory Board, are trained in public speaking, teach other youth and adults at conferences, trainings and workshops, plan and help coordinate all special events.
• Youth 2 Youth programs involve youth from various socio-economic conditions, thus preparing them for real-life relationships which include individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Youth 2 Youth emphasizes the development of necessary life skills - youth attend trainings and workshops that establish or enhance communication skills, decision-making skills, problem solving skills, etc. so they will be better equipped to handle any situation.
• Youth 2 Youth goes beyond merely presenting information on the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. By capitalizing on the emotional involvement that comes from working in small groups the program encourages personal growth, presents techniques that teens use to change their own environments, and provides positive alternatives.