CADCA Mid-Year Recap: A YTC Perspective (pt.2)

(L to R) Sumedh (CADCA Trainer), Samra (YTC Secretary)

The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Mid-Year Training Institute took place in Nashville, Tennessee, from July 21-24, 2025. This event brought together community leaders for hands-on workshops on topics like strategic planning and coalition building, as well as specialized training for youth leaders.

Members of the TCDC's HEAAL Coalition and their youth counterpart, Youth Taking Charge (YTC), attended the conference. YTC Secretary Samra will be giving a recap of her experience at the event, sharing what she learned and how it will impact the coalition's work.

Introducing Samra, YTC Secretary, Who Will Share Her CADCA Recap - Attending the CADCA convention with my volunteer group was an experience I will never forget. It not only broadened my knowledge about substance misuse but also gave me the chance to strengthen my leadership skills. Since joining Youth Taking Charge (YTC), I have grown tremendously as a person, and this opportunity only deepened that growth.

At CADCA, I was able to connect with people from all over, make new friends, and share ideas with others who are passionate about preventing youth substance misuse. I pushed myself to step out of the shell I had been in for so long, allowing me to spread my wings and flourish. The experience gave me confidence and made me feel like I was contributing to real change in my community, especially as we worked on creating safety plans tailored to the needs of our area. Knowing I was helping others filled me with pride and purpose.

One of the best parts of this trip was meeting so many intelligent and inspiring individuals. I am grateful for every connection I made, but I am especially thankful for my amazing supervisors, Ms. Tashema and Mr. Loren, who supported me throughout this journey. They held me to a high standard, motivating me to represent our group with pride. Most importantly, they made me feel safe and comfortable while traveling without my mother for the first time—something that meant a lot to me, especially thanks to Ms. Tashema’s encouragement and care.

Overall, this convention was a rewarding and eye-opening experience. I left with new knowledge, stronger leadership skills, and priceless memories. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue growing with YTC, making a positive difference in my community, and creating even more meaningful experiences with the people who inspire me every day.

CADCA is just one of the activities our YTC youth participate in. If you know any youth aged 12-17 who might be interested in joining YTC, please contact program manager Loren Grizzard at lorengrizzard@tcdccorp.org