Connecting Youth & Communities (CYC)

Connecting Youth and Communities is a community mobilization and planning program. Through it the Prevention TEAM supports communities ready to address healthy youth development and prevention planning with the goal of promoting the positive development of children and youth.

What is Connecting Youth & Communities (CYC)?

At its core CYC is a universal, data-driven mobilization initiative engaging both adults and youth in the community. Prevention and reduction of teen problem behaviors including alcohol, tobacco and other substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school drop-out and violence is accomplished over time by decreasing risk factors that support these behaviors and increasing protective factors that prevent them. These factors exist in the community, school, family and individual/peer domains.

The planning process implemented through CYC is based on successful community and youth development models that utilize current evidence-based knowledge about risk and protective factors. An essential part of the process is the availability of relevant data on teen involvement in these behaviors and the level of risk and protection. These data are gathered through bi-annual teen surveys.

How can I get my community involved with CYC?

Contact the Prevention TEAM for more information. We will help you understand the process and determine if what steps may be appropriate in your community to begin an initiative if one does not yet exist.