Alexandria Youth Speak Up: Learning from the Pandemic to Build a Better Future
More than 50 City and school leaders, youth serving providers, youth, and community members attended “Alexandria Youth Speak Up: Learning from the Pandemic to Build a Better Future” on Thursday, December 9, 2021. SAPCA, the Children Youth and Families Collaborative Commission (CYFCC) and the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) hosted this virtual conversation featured a panel of Alexandria City High School (ACHS) students highlighting what they need from adults to navigate life after the pandemic. The youth panel included the following youth leaders:
- Lyric Tyler, an ACHS Junior and panel co-moderator
- Chloe Yokitis, an ACHS sophomore and panel co-moderator
- Maxwell Tankersley, an ACHS sophomore
- Nanna Addo, an ACHS senior, and
- Yanelvis Gomez, an ACHS junior
In addition to sharing their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, these youth leaders spearheaded the event planning process by serving as planning committee members, generating the questions asked of youth panelists, and sharing their ideas and feedback regarding the event’s format. In mid-January 2022, a summary of key themes highlighted by youth panelists, and an event recording, will be released to support community leaders to integrate information shared into current and future program offerings, policy efforts, and initiatives.
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Keep It 360 Peer Advocates Present Workshops Focused on Alcohol Use Prevention
Before schools let out for winter break in December, the Keep It 360 Peer Advocates delivered two workshops focused on alcohol use prevention to Francis C. Hammond middle school students participating in LINK Club.
During the first workshop, students talked about stress and explored ways to cope with stress in a healthy way. Then during the second workshop, students learned about the facts and consequences of alcohol use; brainstormed fun, safe, and substance-free activities to enjoy over winter break; and discussed ways to respond to peer pressure. Students were also given the opportunity to write down and share with the group one reason they will be substance-free.
The Keep It 360 Peer Advocates are a group of Alexandria youth that work closely with SAPCA, the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy and the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center to support prevention and outreach efforts.
SAPCA looks forward to continuing to work with the Keep It 360 Peer Advocates and our partners in 2022 to deliver more workshops focused on making healthy choices.
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Partnership Spotlight: SAPCA Collaborates with Community Partners to Distribute 250 Reusable Bags
On January 1, 2022, the 5-cent per bag tax on disposable plastic bags went into effect in Alexandria. In preparation of this tax, SAPCA ordered reusable grocery bags to distribute to community members and collaborated with community partners to support the distribution of these items.
In December 2021, SAPCA delivered 50 reusable bags to Community Lodgings and 200 reusable bags to ALIVE! to share with community members. In addition to helping residents avoid the bag tax, these reusable bags also included resources about how to store medication safely and tips about how to support children and youth to grow up happy and healthy.
SAPCA is appreciative of our partners for supporting efforts to share these bags and resources with community members and looks forward to continuing to distribute these items to our community members.
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SAPCA and Alexandria Police Department Recognize Retailers that Pass Alcohol Compliance Checks
On December 21, the Alexandria Police Department conducted alcohol compliance checks at 24 Alexandria businesses. 21 of these retailers passed the compliance check by not selling alcohol to an underage person. SAPCA recognizes and appreciates these 21 retailers for their help preventing underage drinking in our community. SAPCA also thanks the Alexandria Police Department for their efforts to conduct these compliance checks.
Business owners and employees can be penalized up to $2,000 and/or have their ABC license revoked by selling alcohol to an underage customer, a violation of Virginia’s minimum-age alcohol laws. Explore additional information about the legal consequences related to alcohol in Virginia here.
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Upcoming Events & Resources |
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Register for a free "Understanding ACEs" training here.
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Register in advance for this meeting here.
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DASHing Words in Motion Contest Accepting Submissions
DASHing Words in Motion is back and open for entries! The contest is a collaborative effort between the City's Office of the Arts and DASH to promote appreciation of literature and poetry within the Alexandria community ahead of National Poetry Month in April. Winning poems will be displayed onboard DASH buses to help celebrate National Poetry Month.
Submissions are due online by January 14, 2022 at 5 p.m. Entries must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for the contest. Poets may submit more than one poem, but must live, work or study in Alexandria. For more information about the contest, eligibility and submission requirements, click here.
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Register for Tobacco Free Tuesday here.
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Learn more about this contest here. |
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Call for Volunteers: Join the All-Night Grad Party Committee
Are you interested in helping to ensure our 2022 Titan graduates have a safe, fun, and memorable celebration this spring? Join the ACHS All-Night Grad Party committee to help plan this special event for our seniors.
This annual tradition, sponsored by the ACHS PTSA, is made possible by the generous support of local businesses, citizens, community organizations, and alumni and sends a clear message that the Alexandria community values the academic achievements of our students and cares deeply about their safety and well-being. Since our community began this tradition in 1989, there have been no drug or alcohol-related graduation night fatalities.
For more information, contact Lachelle Cato, chairperson for the 2022 ACHS All Night Graduation Party at achsangpchair@gmail.com.
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Join the AVID Tutor Team
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is looking for a few college-age or college graduates to join an AVID Tutor Team in a middle school or high school AVID elective classroom. This part-time paid role is flexible and expertise is not required, just a willingness to use inquiry to support rigorous content understanding. Volunteers are also welcome, even if it's just for a few hours each week. Tutoring needs range between 2-4 days per week, or approximately 12-25 hours per week, based on the school schedule, site needs, and tutor availability.
For more information about AVID, visit avid.org. Learn more about this position, including how to apply, here.
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Wear It Well - Do Your Part. Stop The Spread.
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department urge Alexandria residents, businesses and visitors to “Wear It Well” by wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, whether vaccinated or not. This follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that everyone should wear masks in indoor public settings in communities of substantial or high transmission.
Wearing a mask protects yourself, your family and your community from the current surge of the more contagious COVID-19 delta variant. In addition to wearing a mask in indoor public places, “Wear It Well” by ensuring the mask fits snugly over the nose and chin without gaps. Masks with multiple layers of fabric provide greater protection against transmission.
Every Alexandrian can take precautions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about how to protect yourself and those around you at alexandriava.gov/coronavirus
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Emma Beall, MPH
SAPCA Coordinator
O: 703.746.3670
C: 571.302.1022
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Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria
123 N Pitt St, Suite 225
Alexandria, VA 22314
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