Responsible decisions today protect your future—and the lives of others. When youth are trusted, educated, and empowered, they become powerful leaders for change.

Program Description

The Youth Engagement & Responsible Decision-Making Program is designed to empower young people to become informed leaders and advocates for safe behaviors, particularly in preventing drinking and driving.
This program recognizes that youth are more likely to adopt responsible behaviors when they are actively involved in decision-making, peer education, and community leadership. By equipping youth with practical skills, knowledge, and leadership opportunities, the program fosters a culture of accountability, safety, and shared responsibility.

Program Goals

The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce alcohol-related risk behaviors among youth by strengthening their ability to
make informed, responsible decisions. The program aims to:

Increase youth awareness of the dangers and legal consequences of impaired driving.

Build critical decision-making and risk-assessment skills.
Normalize the use of alternative transportation and sober driving options.
Develop youth leadership and civic engagement in community safety efforts.
Target Population

The program will serve youth ages 14–24, with a focus onhigh school and college-aged individuals who are at higher risk for exposure to impaired driving scenarios. Priority will be given to underserved and at-risk youth communities where access to prevention resources is limited.

Program Activities

Key activities include:

1. Youth Leadership & Ambassador Programs

Establish a Youth Safety Ambassador Program where students lead peer-to-peer education on responsible choices.

Train youth to advocate for sober driving, safe transportation, and community safety.
Provide leadership certificates, service hours, or scholarships to recognize participation.

2. Peer-Led Education & Mentorship

Encourage peer-to-peer discussions, as youth are more influenced by their peers than authority figures.
Pair high school students with college mentors who model responsible behavior.
Use real-life scenarios and role-playing to practice decision-making skills.

3. Interactive Workshops & Simulations

Conduct workshops that focus on real consequences, not fear-based messaging.

Use driving simulators, impaired-vision goggles, or decision-based games to show risks.
Include activities where youth plan safe transportation options before social events.

4. Youth Advisory Councils

Form a Youth Advisory Board that helps design campaigns, events, and messaging.

Allow youth voices to shape how prevention programs are delivered.
Involve them in evaluating what works and proposing improvements.

5. School & Community Partnerships

Integrate responsible decision-making into school curricula and after-school programs.

Collaborate with youth organizations, sports teams, and clubs to embed safety messaging.
Host assemblies and forums where youth can ask questions in a judgment-free space.

6. Digital & Social Media Engagement

Empower youth to create short videos, reels, and graphics promoting safe choices.

Run social media challenges that encourage planning a sober ride home.
Highlight youth-created content on community platforms to amplify their voices.

7. Incentive-Based Participation

Offer incentives such as gift cards, event tickets, or school credits for program completion.

Recognize youth publicly through awards, certificates, or community spotlights.
Partner with local businesses to sponsor youth-driven initiatives.

8. Decision-Making Skill Development

Teach practical skills such as:

Risk assessment

Assertive communication (“saying no”)
Planning ahead
Peer pressure resistance

Use real-world scenarios that youth actually face, not abstract examples.

9. Family & Community Involvement

Encourage family discussions on safe driving and alcohol use.

Provide tools for parents to reinforce responsible decision-making at home.

Host family-focused events that promote shared responsibility.

10. Youth-Led Community Service Projects

Support youth in creating their own safety campaigns, events, or safe rides
programs.

Involve them in community surveys and awareness walks.

Allow youth to see the real impact of their leadership on community safety.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program cycle, the initiative expects to achieve the following outcomes:

Increased knowledge among participants regarding the risks and consequences of
drinking and driving.

Improved confidence and skills in making responsible decisions under peer pressure.
Increased use and promotion of alternative transportation options among youth.
Strengthened youth leadership and sustained engagement in community safety efforts.

Evaluation Plan

Program effectiveness will be measured through pre- and post-program surveys assessing changes in knowledge, attitudes, and
decision-making behaviors. Additional evaluation methods will include
participation tracking, youth feedback sessions, and community impact
assessments. Findings will be used to refine program delivery and demonstrate
measurable outcomes to stakeholders and funders.

Sustainability

Sustainability will be achieved through partnerships with schools, community organizations, local businesses, and transportation
providers. Youth leaders trained through the program will continue to serve as
peer educators and mentors, ensuring ongoing impact beyond the grant period.
Long-term sustainability will also be supported through volunteer engagement,
community sponsorships, and integration of the program into existing youth
development and safety initiatives.

Advocacy & Systems-Change Initiative for Safe Roadsand Impaired Driving Prevention

Statement of Need

Impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic-related injuries and fatalities, disproportionately affecting youth, families, and
underserved communities. Despite existing laws and enforcement efforts, gaps remain in policy effectiveness, public awareness, and access to safe transportation alternatives. Education alone is insufficient; sustainable reductions in impaired driving require systems-level change that integrates policy reform, enforcement, community engagement, and youth leadership.
This initiative addresses these gaps by advancing advocacy-driven solutions that strengthen laws, enhance enforcement
practices, and align the community prevention

OUR VISION