LA VERDAD: Teens Leading the Way on Underage Drinking Prevention

La Verdad: Advisor: Cassandra Haughton, 781-592-9744 x211

La Verdad is a peer leadership group that works with the Lynn community to prevent
substance abuse and help youth make healthy decisions. The teens work with adults and
youth to educate the community of the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and
substance abuse through environmental strategies.

Teens are given many opportunities to build leadership skills through:
• Implementing Media Campaigns: public service announcements, posters, billboards, and
     newspaper ads and articles.
• Educating community members of the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.
• Collecting community social norms data.
• Facilitating substance abuse prevention workshops including peer pressure, stress
     management, decision making skills, media pressure, refusal skills, tobacco and
     alcohol awareness, and leadership skills.
• Being part of a MADD Youth in Action team; conducting shoulder tap surveys,
     compliance checks, sticker shock campaigns, and role call briefings.
• Co-facilitating parent workshops with prevention professionals.
• Participating as active members of ‘Part of the Solution’ Youth Council.
• Working with liquor establishments to ensure compliance with laws.
• Participating in the Mass Youth Against Tobacco movement, using multi-media and
     technology to prevent peers from using tobacco.
• Planning and organizing the Harmony Among Lynn Teens conference.
• Attending trainings and summits on leadership development and underage drinking prevention.