Educators

What is Generation Lead?

Established in 2024, Generation Lead is IABH’s newest prevention initiative. Generation Lead is a statewide youth education campaign aiming to:

  • Prevent or delay initial substance use

  • Reduce, prevent, or delay the misuse of substance 

  • Minimize stigma association with substance use disorder (SUD), treatment and recovery

  • Reduce harms associated with substance use and misuse, including overdose

Our team has developed a comprehensive awareness campaign that centers youth voices and leverages modern, research-based communication strategies to reach Illinois teens where they are.

The campaign includes:

  • Social media engagement on platforms popular with youth (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook), featuring peer influencers, interactive content, and facts about substance use. 

  • School-based material and toolkits co-developed with educators and students, including classroom posters, digital curriculum enhancements, and parent engagement guides.

  • Community events and youth-led forums to foster open dialogue and peer education around prevention, stigma reduction and support for recovery.

  • Multilingual and culturally responsive messaging designed to resonate with diverse communities across Illinois.

The awareness campaign reflects IABH’s commitment to youth empowerment, equity, and prevention –an essential component in addressing the root cause of substance use and supporting longer-term well-being.

What’s your role?

As an educator, you play a vital role in youth substance use prevention by serving as trusted sources of information and support. Generation Lead is here to partner with you in that mission. By collaborating with Generation Lead, your school can enhance its existing prevention and mental health initiatives through:

  • Campaign-branded print material that raises awareness and fosters a culture of prevention – these can be displayed by students or our staff throughout your school. You can request print materials here.

  • Student take-home “talking kits” designed to guide conversations between students and their parents/guardians around substance use, mental health, and making safe, informed choices. 

  • Support for creating a positive school climate that promotes healthy behaviors, encourages open dialogue, and reduces stigma related to substance use and mental health.

Generation Lead compliments the vital work you already do – equipping students with the tools to build decision-making skills, practice self-care, communicate effectively, and resist peer pressure. When educators create safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental spaces, students are more likely to feel seen, heard, and empowered to make choices that support their health and future. Together, we can nurture a generation of leaders – confident, informed, and substance-free.

What does Generation Lead offer?

Our materials are free of charge. You can request print materials here or reach out to us via the contact page if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to deliver these resources to your school/organization and discuss other ways you can get involved in the Generation Lead campaign.

How to implement?

Implementing Generation Lead is designed to be simple, flexible, and impactful. Here’s how your school can bring this prevention initiative to life:

  • Reach out to our team to express interest in launching Generation Lead at your school. We’ll schedule a brief consultation to learn about your goals and provide tailored support for your community.

  • We provide schools with printed campaign materials – posters, talking kits, awareness stickers, and banners that can be displayed by students or with the help of Generation Lead staff. These visuals spark interest and conversation around substance use prevention.

  • Educators or school counselors can hand out student talking kits to bring home. These help families open meaningful conversation about healthy choices, peer pressure, and mental well-being.

  • Continue to engage with Generation Lead each school year and integrate updated prevention messaging into school traditions, wellness programs, and student leadership opportunities.

What is a Gen Leader?

Our youth ambassadors, known as Gen Leaders, are the heart of Generation Lead. These student leaders play a critical role in shaping and implementing the campaign. A Gen Leader is a student who steps into a leadership role to promote positive change, encourage healthy decision-making, and advocate for substance-free lifestyles among their peers. This applied leadership program runs each school year and offers students hands-on opportunity to engage in prevention work.

Gen Leaders help ensure Generation Lead’s messaging stays relatable and impactful. They are made up of student leaders from across Illinois, forming a statewide network of passionate youth committed to advocacy and peer support.

To become a Gen Leader, student should be: 

  • Passionate about making a difference in their school and community

  • Eager to build leadership and communication skills

  • Dedicated to being a positive influence and encouraging healthy choices

  • Available to meet virtually with our team monthly to enhance our campaign

  • Able to make a yearlong commitment to our campaign

  • An incoming 6th grader through an incoming 12th grader

Through their involvement, Gen Leaders grow as individuals while helping to shape Generation lead’s statewide campaign to prevent substance use and create safer, more supportive environments for all youth across Illinois.

Want to receive printed materials shipped right to you or your school?

Ordering campaign materials is easy—and completely free! We want to help you get Generation Lead in your school or community. We will deliver these resources to your school or organization, assist you with displaying them, and discuss other ways you can get involved in the Generation Lead campaign.