Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB)

Welcome to Drug Free America Foundation’s Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB)—a dynamic and driven community committed to empowering youth and young adults.

Our mission is clear: to promote a society where youth and young adults are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed, drug-free choices.

The YPAB exists to develop impactful resources and strategies that resonate with youth and young adults. We advocate for sound drug demand reduction policies and actively promote the One Choice health goal: no use of any alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs under the age of 21 for reasons of health. By participating in this board, you will:

• Provide a Voice for Youth and Young Adults in Prevention: Influence the
  conversation around substance use prevention and contribute to creating a safer,
  healthier society.
• Prevent Substance Use: Play an active role in preventing drug use among your peers
  by promoting informed decision-making, healthy behaviors, and making the One Choice
  health goal.
• Promote Healthy Behaviors: Encourage positive lifestyle choices that lead to long-term
  well-being.
• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience and skills that will benefit your
  personal and professional growth.

The YPAB is a dynamic platform where young leaders shape and amplify the voice of the next generation in drug prevention. Members have helped develop the Next Best Gen Instagram brand—including its color scheme and messaging—and are actively involved in drug policy conversations not only in the U.S., but on the international stage.

YPAB members serve as a valuable sounding board for coalitions and prevention leaders, offering fresh perspectives and youth-informed insights. Whether you’re looking for feedback on messaging, strategy, or community outreach, our members are eager to collaborate. If you’re interested in using YPAB as a sounding board for your organization or project, contact us here.

YPAB is also a space where young professionals can pursue their own ideas—whether that’s launching a campaign, organizing a webinar, or engaging with global partners on innovative prevention efforts. Whatever your passion, we support you in making it a reality.

Follow us on Instagram: @NextBestGen_DFAF

Member Spotlight: Emily Hill

We’re proud to celebrate Emily Hill, a member of our Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB), for her recent participation in the Second Virtual Thematic Discussion hosted by Association Proyecto Hombre.

This youth-driven session, held in the margins of World Drug Day, focused on Youth Engagement: Harnessing the potential of young people to curb drug-related problems worldwide. Emily represented the USA on a panel of inspiring global youth leaders from Suriname, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Spain, and Türkiye.

With over 200 participants, the discussion highlighted the power of youth voices in shaping solutions and driving change. A big thank you to Emily and all the young leaders paving the way toward a healthier, drug-free future!

Youth Substance Use Prevention Month

In honor of Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week, YPAB members Ariel Cohn and Emily Hill, joined by special guest Drusilla Reinhard-Blinker from Suriname, hosted a special webinar titled Drug Trends Affecting Youth and Young Adults in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the U.S. The event explored the evolving landscape of youth substance use across these regions and spotlighted youth-led prevention initiatives making a difference at the local level.

Missed the live event? You can watch the full recording below to hear directly from young leaders and global prevention advocates working to address drug trends through education, engagement, and policy.