information from a teen perspective to the community, King says. King has worked with the Lima UMADAOP for around 15 years; he attends these youth meetings, but he’s only there to sometimes help nudge kids in the right direction. “e adult is just there to guide them if there’s a situation or if they get stuck,” King says. Being selected to participate in the Village Youth Led Community Coalition somewhat resembles being chosen as a captain on the basketball team.
e youth recruited have a history with UMADAOP, King says. In some cases, the youth have worked at UMADAOP over the summer. In other cases, teens recruit additional members. King says the casual environment suits the kids. He says it’s a setting where kids have the opportunity to show leadership, have discussions and disagree, if necessary. “ere’s not the negativity that most people would think young people would bring to a setting,” King says. “ey dialogue things out and come to a conclusion.”
Every Wednesday, a group of approximately ve kids gathers to discuss drug and alcohol prevention strategies. But there’s something dierent about this group. Here, at the Village Youth Led Community Coalition, the young adults take charge of leadership. e students, ages 15 to 18, draft the itinerary, take notes and keep meeting minutes, assistant director Marcell King says. e groups provide youth a voice and allow teens the opportunity to bring drug and alcohol addiction
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