This week, the Healthy Archuleta youth interns shifted their focus from hands-on service to understanding the importance of prevention. Through conversations with local leaders and members of the Youth Prevention Coalition, the interns explored how prevention goes beyond avoiding risky behaviors, it is about building healthy environments, creating opportunities for young people, and strengthening communities before challenges arise.
The Youth Prevention Coalition is a collaborative space where young people and adult community leaders come together with a shared purpose: creating meaningful, youth-driven change. Rather than making decisions for young people, the coalition values their voices, experiences, and ideas, recognizing that youth offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the community. By giving young people a seat at the table, the coalition works to identify gaps in resources, programs, and support systems while empowering youth to help shape solutions that will have a lasting impact.
In addition to learning about the coalition’s mission, the interns have also been working on a Youth Community Leadership and Learning Circle (CLLC). The goal of the Youth CLLC is to create a dedicated space where young people can come together to plan events, discuss issues affecting their peers, and develop projects that positively impact Archuleta County. The Youth CLLC will serve as a bridge between youth and the broader community, ensuring that young voices are heard, represented, and included in conversations that influence the future of the county. By encouraging collaboration, leadership, and civic engagement, the Youth CLLC aims to empower the next generation to move beyond identifying problems and become active participants in creating meaningful solutions.
The first Youth Prevention Coalition meeting left the interns with more than just new ideas, it gave them a renewed sense of purpose. They walked away with the understanding that meaningful change begins by listening, asking questions, and being willing to step forward. As they continue to work on the Youth CLLC and serve their community, they are showing that leadership is not defined by age, but by a willingness to make a difference and create a bridge between the community and themselves.
The youth interns will be presenting their final internship capstones projects on Tuesday August 11th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The community is invited to listen to their presentation to learn about their recommendations for making Archuleta County a youth-centered community. Please RSVP to fsfearchuleta@gmail.com if you are interested in joining the presentation, food will be available as part of the evening.
Learn more about the county-wide Youth Prevention Coalition at https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/youth-prevention.html.
We invite youth to join the CLLC for hands-on service, leadership development, and internship updates. Discover how to get involved on our Youth Engagement page: https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/youth-engagement.html.