Youth engagement results when young people are involved in responsible and challenging actions to create positive social change. At Leland and Gray Middle and High school, our youth have been using their voices and actions to problem solve and make a direct impact within their school and broader community. In this article it explains how students take a topic they care about like Tobacco use prevention and then make changes in the community that increases leadership opportunities, improves physical design, and practices problem solving through exploring policy changes. Read on to learn how West River Valley youth are taking a stand on and working towards a healthier community that thrives.

Deerfield Valley Community Partnership and West River Valley Thrives have been addressing the problem of cigarette butt litter. This work is thanks to the collaboration of middle/high school prevention groups, community members and local business owners. Both coalitions have played an active role in addressing the problem of toxic cigarette waste by identifying heavy litter areas and reaching out to the appropriate community members to install cigarette receptacles called Butlers. This year, our collective groups were able to expand awareness of this issue to more business owners, involving more students like Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (VKAT), Our Voices Xposed (OVX), and Boys Scouts from BSA Troop 428. Incorporating a balance of education and community intervention has made this program a growing success. Important community connections have been forged and butlers abound!