United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse

Broward Youth Coalition

Empowering Youth Leaders to Advance Social Change to Promote Healthy, Drug Free Communities

The United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse (UWBCCSA) recognizes the power of
youth as key leaders who can make long, lasting significant change in the their communities. The Broward
Youth Coalition (BYC) is a group of over 50 high school drug free youth leaders representing all areas of the
local community. This cadre of youth leaders come together on a monthly basis to create, develop and put
into action positive, social change activities as it relates to underage drinking, substance use/abuse & other
interrelated issues.
Alcohol or illegal use by children and youth prior to age 21 often results in the increased probability of risky
and destructive behaviors. These behaviors may cause death, drowning, injury, medical emergencies,
unwanted pregnancy, acquisition of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, other sexual transmitted diseases, arrest,
incarceration, a criminal record, disciplinary actions, mental health problems, and alcohol dependency or other
addictions in adulthood. Research clearly shows that youth who initiate any drug before the age of 15 years
old are 5 times more likely to having long lasting acute problems in their lives.
 

Goals
We empower our youth to be change agents, leaders, and promote healthy drug free communities. Some of the
Broward Youth Coalition's goals include:

• Ongoing youth leadership training opportunities.
• Youth leadership development.
• Education to the community about substance use and abuse.
   

Accomplishments

• Broward Youth Coalition members lead the planning and implementation of the Youth Leadership Training held each summer. This Institute, the longest running training institute in the county for youth outside of the School Board of Broward County, helps bring together youth leaders from both within county and around the State of Florida with their adult allies for training on leadership skills, coalition skills, and substance use/abuse education.
• The BYC members completed an environmental scan and documentary targeting three areas of the county to identify and videotape the amount of alcohol advertising that is geared to youth and the community in general.
• Working the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT), BYC members have participated in compliance "stings" in an effect to reduce the selling of alcoholic beverages to underage young people.
• BYC members are frequently asked to present at major conferences (e.g. Youth Crime Watch of America National Conference) on their coalition work and experience.
• BYC members are being trained and certified by the Florida Office of Drug Control Policy in a Peer to Peer education program that will allow them to present to their peers on the devastating effects of alcohol advertising on youth today and what youth can do to change this trend.
• In their individual schools across the county, BYC members are the "go-to" people to organize key substance abuse related events such as Red Ribbon Week, Alcohol Awareness Month and Prom/Graduation and Homecoming.

Contact:
Shahara Jaghoo
Director of Adult and Youth Training Initiatives
954-760-7007, Ext. 201
Email Shahara