Wait…Z, Aren’t You a Prevention Presenter?
I know, I know. “Whaaat Z…aren’t you a prevention and youth & family presenter? How can you discredit the very job you’re doing?”
Here’s why: because I understand how prevention actually works when it’s done right. . And rather than showing up, giving a talk, and moving on, my goal has always been to see communities thrive and young people flourish.
Awareness Isn’t Enough
For years, school districts, coalitions, colleges and organizations have leaned on one-off prevention presentations. Fill an auditorium, bring in a speaker, hope the message sticks.
Here’s the truth: while presentations can spark awareness, they rarely create lasting shifts in behavior, culture, or connection.
Too often, I hear prevention and behavioral health professionals say, “A talk isn’t going to change anything.” And honestly, they might be right. Students walk away pumped and motivated, but then ask: “Now what?”
So What Happens After the Talk?
Bringing in speakers is powerful, it reinforces the message you’re already working hard to instill. But if the goal is true individual and community transformation, a single talk won’t cut it.
- A 45-minute presentation can inspire someone to care about mental health.
- But without peer support structures, trusted adult conversations, and ongoing wellness tools, the message fades.
Awareness without action is like giving someone a toolbelt with no tools inside.
From Inspiration to Action
That’s why we created Up To It to be more than just inspiration. We give students actionable knowledge and the chance to practice the skills they’ve just acquired. And while I’m proud of what we do, I also know there are many other organizations stepping up in similar ways.
Together, we’re proving that prevention doesn’t have to stop at awareness it can become a lived practice.
Here’s what works:
- Presentations that light the spark
- Workshops and trainings that build real skills
- Digital tools and touchpoints that keep momentum alive
- Parents, staff, and community members equipped to sustain the work
That’s when prevention stops being a performance and becomes a practice.
Rethinking Prevention Together
It’s time for schools, coalitions, and communities to rethink prevention. Presentations matter, but they are the beginning, not the end. If we want healthier communities and stronger individuals, we need ecosystems that carry the message forward long after the speaker leaves the stage.
At Up To It, we’re building that ecosystem—tough conversations that lead to stronger connections, peer training, and ongoing wellness tools that make prevention real, relatable, and sustainable. If you’re ready to move beyond the presentation, let’s talk.
