Introduction to Summit

The goal of the Prevention Summit is to provide an enriching and culturally competent training and networking opportunity for youth, volunteers and professionals working toward the prevention of substance abuse, violence and other destructive behaviors as well as integrating such prevention efforts with primary health care.

History
The prevention community in Washington State has been convening annually since the 1980’s. The initial conferences were held in Ellensburg, Washington, on the campus of Central Washington University. The conferences were known as “family focus” meetings, and soon after became known as the annual “Building a Vision” conference. After a few name changes in the late 1990’s, the annual conference was renamed in 1999 as the Washington State Prevention Summit. Despite changes over time in name, location and leadership planning, the spirit of the annual Summit has remained constant. It is the one time during the year when the prevention community can come together, reflect on the past year’s successes, learn new strategies, and network with a variety of people–including parents, children, teachers, law enforcement officials, prevention professionals, treatment providers, policy makers, college faculty, students and dedicated volunteers who are all interested in preventing alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in Washington State .

Who Should Attend

• Middle and high school students
• Youth
• Parents
• Prevention providers
• School personnel
• Government agencies
• Law enforcement personnel
• Youth service providers
• Policy makers
• Treatment providers
• Coalition leaders and members
• Counselors
• Social Workers

 

The Summit and Spring Youth Forum Make a Difference!

Below is the representation of data collected from teams since the Fall of 2008 until today:

• 41-58 teams participate in the Spring Youth Forum and Prevention Summit every year!
  
  
• 350 youth and adults participate in Spring Youth Forum annually on average.
  
  
• 42 Washington state youth prevention teams present their projects at the Spring Youth Forum on average.
  
  
• 51% of the teams that participate in the Prevention Summit, also participate in the Spring Youth Forum.
  
  
• 100% of the Spring Youth Forum prevention teams submitted project success stories
  
  
• The top 5 prevention areas for teams indicated are: General Prevention, Alcohol Prevention, Anti-Tobacco Projects, Illegal Drug Use and Prescription or Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse/Use (2010, 2011 data).
  
  
• Additionally of those that completed the evaluation surveys for the Spring Youth Forum and the Prevention Summit (2009 - 2011 data):
  
  
  • A total of 99% of participants would recommend the Forum to others, and a total of 86% would absolutely recommend the Forum.
    
    
  • 96% who attended the Forum indicated that the event was a "motivational experience."
    
    
  • 95% who attended the Prevention Summit indicated that the event was a "motivational experience."
    
    
  • Over the last three years, 90% or more of the participants at the Summit have been satisfied overall.
    
    
  • A total of 96% of participants would recommend the Summit to others, and a total of 77% would absolutely recommend the Summit.