Teen Advisory Board: Amplifying Youth Voice in the Community

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Teen Action Board (TAB) operates as a community-based board in the Fountain Valley area of El Paso County. Fountain Valley is a diverse community located in Southeastern El Paso County, and includes the City of Fountain, Ft. Carson, Security and Widefield. The TAB is comprised of facilitators employed by El Paso County Health who work side-by-side with local youth representatives to address the issue of youth substance abuse. The overarching goal of the Teen Action Board is to engage local youth in strategic planning, and most importantly action, to address the rise in youth substance behavior in Fountain Valley. Members of the TAB work collectively to identify and understand the root causes underlying youth risk behavior related to substance abuse. Understanding connectedness is a positive factor, the Teen Action Board is designed to foster healthy relationships between adult mentors in the community, EPCPH facilitators and other community members as they work collectively to address the issue. The program is designed to engage local teens in the effort, provide skills in facilitation and leadership, and ensure they realize they have a powerful voice within their community. Outcomes are measured through participation, engagement, and leadership activities.