In recent years, CADCA has expanded its coalition-building efforts across Latin America, with a particular focus on empowering youth leaders to tackle pressing community issues. This initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of young individuals, helping them become effective agents of change within their societies.
The International Youth Council for Community Wellbeing
One of the standout programs is the Consejo Internacional de Jóvenes por el Bienestar Comunitario (International Youth Council for Community Wellbeing). Modeled after CADCA’s National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) that operates domestically in the U.S., this initiative extends the mission of youth engagement into Latin America. Youth leaders from across the region come together to exchange ideas, learn leadership skills, and collaborate on community-based solutions for issues such as substance abuse, violence, and social inequality.
Building upon the success of the NYAC program in the U.S., this initiative has brought together youth from across Latin America to participate in leadership training and community engagement strategies. With over 40 participants from 10 countries, the program’s first session was a resounding success. Participants had the opportunity to learn from each other, share best practices, and create a strategic plan for their involvement in CADCA initiatives moving forward. In shared agreement, the members of the International Youth Council established the mission and vision statements of the Council, and shared interest in the topics and problematics they had interest in learning more about. In the monthly meetings held since April 2024, the Council has learned best practices in tobacco and electronic cigarette prevention, underage drinking, and adapting strategies based on resource availability and needs and strengths of each country and community settings. The Council has established a learning and growing environment among themselves, exchanging ideas and strategies to potentially implement in their communities. The members have been joined by guest speakers that have made them gather a deeper perspective on their capabilities to transform and achieve community-level change.
Some of the members of the International Youth Council for Community Wellbeing. Top row from left to right: Josué Castellanos (Honduras), Yurimar Santiago (CADCA Trainer, Puerto Rico), Estrella Larrea (Argentina), María José Medina (Argentina), Renzo Ascacíbar Vargas (Perú), Romina Zambrano Cabal (Guayaquil – Ecuador) Bottom row from left to right: Julia Santos (Brazil), Sofía Yustiz (Uruguay), Nathaly Barboza (Costa Rica), Eduin Padilla (Honduras), Anthony Martinez (Guatemala), Diana Ponce (Ecuador)
This youth-driven approach reflects a broader trend in international development, where empowering young leaders is increasingly seen as a key to sustainable community growth. By involving young people in the decision-making process and equipping them with the tools they need to address issues such as drug abuse and social inequality, CADCA is fostering a new generation of leaders who can drive long-term change.
CADCA’s work in Latin America demonstrates the power of youth engagement and international collaboration. Through programs like the International Youth Council for Community Wellbeing and the South American Youth Initiative, CADCA is creating spaces for young people to learn, grow, and take action. Despite the challenges, these initiatives are making a lasting impact by empowering the next generation of leaders to build stronger, healthier communities.
As the success of these programs continues to grow, it’s clear that the involvement of youth in coalition-building efforts will be key to solving many of the complex issues facing Latin American countries today. By providing young leaders with the training, support, and international partnerships they need, CADCA is helping to lay the foundation for a more resilient and engaged global community.
