Leadership Training – Washington DC
A bit about the training:
CADCA is the nation’s leading drug abuse prevention organization that represents over 5,000 community coalitions across the U.S. and over 230 coalitions internationally. APAC (Austin Positive Action Coalition) is a local prevention group that is part of the CADCA family of coalitions. Our local coalition like CADCA want to create population-level change, we must engage all sectors of a community – especially youth!
CADCA Youth Leadership Initiative empowers over 1,200 youth yearly across the U.S. and abroad to fight drug use and other problems plaguing their communities. We inspire groups of passionate 13–20-year-olds, who are eager to analyze and influence their communities in a positive way, and develop students as together we create social change when thinking about community issues facing our youth, especially substance misuse! These “social scientists” are affecting change today!
Up to twelve students will be selected to attend this training in Washington DC. These students will become our local leaders that will guide our youth group, STAND (Students Taking A New Direction) as we transform the way youth view substance misuse in our community. These students will help create and implement new strategies as well as continuing our focus on Positive Community Norms (PCN). The goal of these strategies is to make a positive impact on our community.
FAQ’s
Who is the CADCA?
Since 1992, CADCA has demonstrated that when all sectors of a community come together, social change happens. CADCA represents over 5,000 community coalitions that involve individuals from key sectors including schools, law enforcement, youth, parents, healthcare, media, tribal communities and others. We have members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 30 countries around the world. The CADCA coalition model emphasizes the power of community coalitions to prevent substance misuse through collaborative community efforts. We believe that prevention of substance use and misuse before it starts is the most effective and cost-efficient way to reduce substance use and its associated costs. https://www.cadca.org/about-youth-leadership
How much will the trip cost?
The trip will be funded by a grant and all expenses (Hotel, Meals, Transportation-including flight and conference fees) will be paid for the participant and the adult chaperones. Students may bring extra cash if they wish, but all necessities will be provided.
When will the trip occur?
The conference will be Jan 29 – Feb 2, 2023. Jan. 28 will be a travel day to Washington, DC
How can I be considered for the training?
ALL STAND students will be considered for the training. Students MUST do the following:
- Complete all school work and have a plan for completing missed work while attending the training.
- Approved to attend by principal.
- Registered in the Portal – STAND activity. Need Help? Kelly Joseph, Activities Office (507) 460-1825
- Signed parent/guardian permission slip.
- Good standing with youth group/Attending meetings regularly/Participating in group activities.
- Attend Student and parent/guardian PreTrip meeting in Jan. 2023.
- Write an essay that answers these questions (500 words or less)
- Why do you want to attend this training?
- How will you use the skills and knowledge when you return to Austin?
- What do you see as the biggest challenge facing youth in Austin?
- How will you address this challenge when you are the leader?
Essay is Due on Wednesday Nov. 30th.
Will student have free time?
Yes and No. Students will NOT be allowed to leave the hotel facility without an adult chaperone. It is our plan to include a night tour of Washington DC as part of the trip. This guided tour will allow students to gain knowledge of our nation’s capital.
Will there be expectations?
Yes, ALL students selected and attending will be expected to follow simple expectations that will ensure their safety while on the trip. One such expectation is that students will be required to have a cellphone. Expectations will be explained in detail at the Jan. 2023 parent/guardian meeting. (NOTE: If student doesn’t have access to a cellphone – we will obtain one for the trip)
What will I need to travel?
Students and chaperones will have to comply with requirements to fly commercially. https://www.delta.com/us/en/check-in-security/required-travel-documents/travel-within-the-us
Where will the conference be held?
The training conference will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center . We will follow accommodation guidelines that are used by other school activities. Each room will have 2 Queen sized beds and will be occupied by four students of the same gender. Other communities in Minnesota will be sending youth as well and they may stay in a room with students from another school. (NOTE: Sharing a room with a student from another school will be discussed with parent/guardian for approval)
What if I have questions?
Please contact Bill Spitzer at: bill.spitzer@austin.k12.mn.us or Cell (507) 421-2317