Start a youth group in your corner of Starke County.
A youth prevention group can start with one motivated person and a handful of young people who want something better for their community. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, parent, faith leader, or a student yourself — if you’ve got the will, we’ll help you build the way.
Four steps from idea to funded.
Dream it up
Every group starts with a "what if." Get clear on the basics — you don't need all the answers yet.
Picture who it’s for — a school, a neighborhood, a faith community, a whole town.
Reach out to the coalition — we’ll talk through your idea, no commitment.
Build your crew
Groups run on people. Gather a few young people and at least one committed adult ally.
Find 3–5 interested youth to start — small is perfectly fine.
Line up an adult advisor and a place to meet — a classroom, library, or church room works.
Launch your first meeting
The first gathering is about energy and ownership — let the young people help shape it.
Keep it welcoming and fun — ask the group what they care about most.
Pick one small first project everyone can rally around.
Keep it going
Consistency turns a meeting into a movement. Steady rhythm and shared wins keep youth coming back.
Meet on a regular schedule and celebrate every win, big or small.
Tap coalition resources — and explore community grants to fund bigger ideas.
What a youth group actually does.
Spread the message
Run awareness campaigns, social media, or school events that promote healthy, substance-free choices to peers.
Learn & lead
Build leadership, public-speaking, and planning skills while tackling real issues that matter to them.
Serve the community
Organize service projects, clean-ups, or drives that give back and build pride in Starke County.
Host fun events
Plan substance-free hangouts, game nights, and celebrations that prove fun doesn’t require anything harmful.
Raise their voice
Speak up on issues affecting young people — to schools, leaders, and the community.
Support each other
Create a positive peer group — the kind of belonging that protects young people better than almost anything.
The coalition has your back.
Starting a group can feel daunting from the outside — but you won’t be figuring it out by yourself. As Starke County’s Local Coordinating Council, helping youth prevention take root is exactly what we’re here for.
Guidance & know-how
Practical help getting started, plus ideas that have worked for other groups.Prevention materials
Access to education content and campaigns so you're not starting from a blank page.Connections
Introductions to schools, partners, and other groups doing similar work across the county.Funding pathways
Once you're a member, community grants can help fund bigger projects and events.
Tell us you're interested.
Start a Youth Group — Interest Form
Good to know.
Who can start a youth group?
Just about anyone with the motivation — a student, parent, teacher, coach, faith leader, or community member. Youth-led groups are especially powerful, so if you’re a young person with an idea, we absolutely want to hear from you (an adult advisor usually helps with logistics).
How many young people do I need to start?
There’s no magic number. A few interested youth is a great start — some strong groups begin with just three or four. Groups tend to grow once they get going and word spreads, so don’t wait for a crowd.
Does it cost anything?
Getting started doesn’t have to cost a thing. Coalition membership is free, and many group activities are low- or no-cost. If your group has bigger plans, community grants can help fund projects and events once you’re a member.
What kind of support does the coalition provide?
Guidance on getting started, prevention materials and campaign ideas, connections to schools and partners, and funding pathways through community grants. You bring the energy; we help with the how.
How much time does it take?
As much or as little as works for you. Many groups meet once or twice a month. The key is consistency, not intensity — a steady, modest rhythm beats an ambitious plan that burns out.