Youth Council Advocacy Trips
CADCA National Leadership Forum in Washington D.C.
February 1-4, 2027
Application for CADCA will release November 1 for Youth Council leaders.
Benefits
From Monday February 1 to Thursday February 4, four Youth Council leaders will attend the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Leadership Forum in Washington D.C.
This conference is an opportunity for youth to advocate for prevention within the complex landscape of public policy, to enhance prevention efforts by joining CADCA-selected evidence-based trainings focused on building resilient communities and lasting change, and to connect with coalition members on sharing best practices and receiving personalized support to community needs. Additionally, CADCA's Capitol Hill Day gives young people the chance to meet directly with members of Congress to discuss the issues shaping their communities.
Roughly speaking, Youth Council leaders can expect a jam-packed agenda inclusive of a Coalition Ideas Fair, networking, training sessions, an entire day on Capitol Hill, congressional appointments, and plenty of opportunities to connect with peers from all over the country. You can check out the more detailed schedule on their website.
History of the Conference
CADCA is a prevention association that was born in the 1980s, during which the country was battling the crack-cocaine epidemic and mobilizing against rapid rises in drug use. Today, CADCA gathers over 7,000 community coalitions across the United States to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create safer and healthier communities.
Important Considerations
This opportunity will require 4 days of excused school absences for attending students.
Pelham Together will pay for the expenses to attend this event: including transportation, lodging, and a per-diem food expense. Executive Director Laura Caruso and Youth Advocate Olivia Ting will chaperone the entire trip: taking the train with the members, staying in the same hotel, attending events together.
Due to a limited capacity, only 4 Youth Council leaders will be permitted to join this year's CADCA conference.
Requirements
Student Eligibility to Participate
In order to be eligible for this opportunity, students need to already be Youth Council leaders.
To be a Youth Council leader entails having applied in June 2026 and been accepted for a leadership position.
To Apply
Applicants must be existing Youth Council leaders.
The applicant's guardian must consent to the applicant applying, by submitting the Guardian Application.
CADCA application will be released November 1!
Once the selection process is over, students and their caregivers will receive additional forms and information to confirm participation and to answer any questions.
If you have any questions, please email oting@pelhamtogether.org.
Mental Health Matters Day in Albany, NY
March 10, 2027
Application for MHANYS will release January 3 for Youth Council members.
Benefits
On Wednesday March 10, eight members of the Youth Council will attend Mental Health Matters Day in Albany. The Council will rally support for critical investments and programs that support mental health and suicide prevention in communities across the state. This is an opportunity for Council members to learn about pending critical mental health public policy issues and to engage in the advocacy process.
Youth Council members can expect a policy briefing, keynotes from speakers, a rally, and legislative visits. You can check out the tentative agenda on their website.
History of the Conference
A tradition for nearly three decades, advocates visit Albany to rally support for critical investments and programs that support mental health and suicide prevention in communities across New York State.
Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) is partnering for this event with the New York chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Every year, the number of attendees continues to grow, representing communities from across New York State, including mental health professionals, advocates, a large contingent of high school and college students, faculty, and educators, first responders, MHANYS affiliate members, and members and volunteers with AFSP.
Important Considerations
This opportunity will require 1 day of excused school absence for attending students.
Pelham Together will pay for the expenses to attend this event: including transportation and a per-diem food expense. Executive Director Laura Caruso and Youth Advocate Olivia Ting will chaperone the entire trip: traveling with the members and attending events together.
Due to a limited capacity, only 8 Youth Council members will be permitted to join this year's Mental Health Matters Day conference.
Requirements
Student Eligibility to Participate
In order to be considered for either of these positions, students need to already be members of the Youth Council.
To be a Youth Council member entails being a Pelham resident—not to be confused with being a Pelham Memorial High School student, Council members may attend other high schools so long as they are based in Pelham. Being a Youth Council member also entails having already been engaged with the Youth Council: going to meetings, organizing for events, connecting with Youth Advocate Olivia Ting.
Being a Youth Council member does not mean having been a Pelham Together Summer Intern or having worked for Pelicones.
To Apply
Applicants must be existing Youth Council members.
The applicant's guardian must consent to the applicant applying, by submitting the Guardian Application.
Students who have already attended Mental Health Matters Day in prior years will not be considered to go again, so as to ensure that as many youth as possible have the opportunity to engage in advocacy on the state level.
MHANYS application will be released January 3!
Once the selection process is over, students and their caregivers will receive additional forms and information to confirm participation and to answer any questions.
If you have any questions, please email oting@pelhamtogether.org.