Northwood High School leads peer-to-peer pledge campaign with approximately 425 student signatures.
The Step Forward Teen Advisory Committee (TAC), in partnership with Caddo Parish Public Schools, recently led a 988 Awareness Day campaign designed to increase awareness of teen mental wellness and ensure young people know where to turn when they or someone they care about needs support.
TAC is committed to bringing greater awareness to teen mental wellness through peer-to-peer education, engagement, and advocacy. The 988 Awareness Day campaign is one of several TAC efforts aimed at helping young people understand that seeking support is a sign of strength and that help is available.
As part of the campaign, students at participating Caddo Parish high schools were invited to sign a 988 Day Peer-to-Peer Pledge, committing themselves to listen without judgment, show compassion to others, speak up when someone may need support or encouragement, learn about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, ask for help when they need it, and encourage others to do the same. Participating high schools included Booker T. Washington, Byrd, Caddo Magnet, Captain Shreve, Green Oaks, Huntington, North Caddo, Northwood, and Woodlawn.
Northwood High School recorded the highest participation, with approximately 415 students signing the pledge. The strong response demonstrates what can happen when young people are given an opportunity to support one another and take an active role in creating healthier school communities.
“Our young people understand their peers in ways adults sometimes cannot,” said Carla Burgos, Director of Special Initiatives at the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. “TAC is helping teens become part of the solution by giving them information, tools, and opportunities to use their voices. When a young person knows how to recognize that a friend may need support—and knows where to direct them—we are building a stronger, more resilient community.”
The Teen Advisory Committee’s work centers on three priorities: education, health, and civic engagement. TAC’s ability to address these priorities and reach young people throughout Caddo Parish would not be possible without the continued partnership and support of Caddo Parish Public Schools and Step Forward’s Network partners.
The 988 campaign also reinforces an important message for students and families: the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors by calling, texting, or chatting 988.
TAC’s work will continue beyond 988 Awareness Day with additional youth-led campaigns, activities, and events designed to promote teen wellness, resilience, leadership, and connection throughout Caddo Parish.
About the Teen Advisory Committee
The Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) is a youth leadership initiative of Step Forward focused on elevating teen voice and creating opportunities for young people to lead efforts addressing education, health, and civic engagement. Through peer education, community partnerships and youth-led initiatives, TAC works to strengthen the well-being of young people and the communities in which they live. For more information about TAC, please contact Carla Burgos at [email protected].