Mission Statement
Clear Message --Youth to Youth's message is a clear cut "NO" to tobacco, alcohol, or any other drug at any time. Maturing teens need definitive guidelines.
Teen Driven --Youth to Youth is uniquely teen centered. While the importance and necessity of parents, teachers, and other concerned adults are acknowledged, Youth to Youth does not underestimate the overwhelming peer resource that is available. The teens that participate in Youth to Youth play significant roles in the decision making process, so they feel responsible for the program's success.
Programs --Youth to Youth focuses its programs on issues that teens are most likely to face while growing up today: alcohol and other drugs, negative peer pressure, AIDS and sexuality, suicide, education and career concerns, self-concept, community responsibility, etc.
Youth Leadership --Youth to Youth stresses the development of leadership skills: teens comprise the Youth Advisory Board, are trained in public speaking, teach other teens and adults at conferences, trainings, and workshops, write the national newsletter, and plan and help coordinate all special events.
Diverse Background --Youth to Youth programs involve teenagers from various socio-economic conditions, preparing youth for real-life relationships which include individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Teaching Life Skills --Youth to 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.
Providing a Safe Environment --Youth to Youth goes beyond merely presenting information on the dangers of alcohol and other drug use. 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 alternatives to drug use.
