SAY San Diego (Social Advocates for Youth)

Looking back on the magic of March! 📚✨ From Sunset View Elementary's reading challenges, where kids earned prizes for their reading milestones, to our Preschool's Read Across America week filled with spirit days, we celebrated the joy of reading in many fun ways! We're committed to fostering a love of literacy in our youth, and March was a shining example of that commitment. Want to learn more about our programs that support kids and reading? Visit: https://lnkd.in/gsgtdJ6Y #LiteracyMatters #ReadAcrossAmerica #ChildrensReading #SAYSanDiego #CommunityReading

The power of youth to create positive change is truly inspiring! Earlier this year, our SAY San Diego Youth Unite chapter took a stand for healthy relationships, distributing student-designed resources at San Diego High School. This initiative, born from months of thoughtful discussion, demonstrates the power of peer-to-peer support. Their stickers and Valentine's Day cards included encouraging messages and vital local resource information. Their thoughtful messages and accessible support information resonate within the school's Wellness Center, fostering ongoing conversations about respect and well-being. This initiative reminds us that building healthy relationships is a year-round commitment, and we're proud to support our youth in leading the way!   #HealthyRelationships #YouthEmpowerment #CommunitySupport #saysandiego

As part of National Alcohol Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the incredible work our ATOD Prevention Team does year-round to promote healthy choices and prevent underage drinking in our community. Earlier this year, our team traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in CADCA’s National Leadership Forum, where they joined prevention leaders from across the country to discuss strategies for reducing youth alcohol use. This experience strengthens our efforts here in San Diego, equipping us with new tools and insights to continue making a difference. Our prevention programs focus on: ✅ Educating youth and families about the risks of underage drinking ✅ Advocating for policies that create healthier communities ✅ Partnering with schools and local organizations to support prevention initiatives Together, we can create a future where every young person has the support they need to make healthy choices! 

Lasting change starts with the community. This year, we brought together over 100 local residents and a diverse group of partners—connecting them with government officials, policymakers, scientists, and institutional agencies to drive change from the ground up. By engaging those with lived experience, we focused on research, priority setting, and policy recommendations that are truly representative of the community’s needs. The result? The First Annual “Tobacco and the Environment” Symposium, where this collaborative network began laying the foundation for cleaner, healthier environments. This is just the beginning of our journey to reduce the disproportionate impacts of tobacco on vulnerable communities. Huge thanks to our key partners and funders, SDSU Research Foundation and the Center for Tobacco and the Environment, for their support. Together, we are creating healthier, more sustainable communities. Explore the full 2024 Annual Report on our website. https://lnkd.in/gEKHmGNP 

Meaningful work and fun go hand in hand! So far this year, we’ve had many exciting moments—welcoming our new CEO Louie Nguyen, teaming up with Kendra Scott for our annual giveback event, enjoying plenty of playful moments at MFRC playgroups, and more! Here’s to more joy, connection, and impact all year long!

Get ready for an unforgettable summer with SAY San Diego’s Summer Camps! ☀️ Looking for a fun, active, and engaging way for your child to spend the summer? SAY San Diego’s Summer Camps are the perfect place to PLAY, LEARN, and GROW! Camp Move – A movement and play camp packed with dance, sports, art, cooking, character development, and exciting activities to keep kids active and engaged all summer long! S.T.E.A.M. Camp – A hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, where creativity meets problem-solving in a fun, supportive environment. What’s Included? ✅ Morning fitness & running club ✅ Outdoor games, raffles & theme-based activities ✅ Weekly themed-based activities ✅ Wheels Day (bring your skates/scooters!) ✅ AM & PM snacks provided Don’t miss out—secure your child’s spot today! Learn more & register here: https://lnkd.in/gN_Vz6Ns 

For the second year, SAY San Diego’s “Stash Your Stash” campaign worked to educate legal cannabis retailers and consumers on safe storage and responsible consumption—with a strong focus on preventing youth access. Thanks to our incredible youth leaders and adult allies, the campaign reached thousands through: - Social media ads, stickers & billboards with resources on safe storage - 11,000+ stickers distributed at cannabis retailer storefronts - Bilingual billboards placed in high-traffic areas Together, we’re proving that businesses and community advocates can collaborate for the health and safety of our youth! Explore the full 2024 Annual Report on our website. https://lnkd.in/gEKHmGNP 

Our CEO, Louie Nguyen, CFA, took a moment to grab a selfie with the SAY San Diego team over coffee—because great ideas (and connections) start with a good cup! And yes—he’s already a pro at snapping these moments! 😄 Building a stronger community starts from within, and we’re grateful for the incredible people who make SAY what it is every day. 

Investing in our youth's social and emotional well-being is vital. This year, with the support of the Prebys Foundation and San Diego Unified School District, SAY San Diego implemented SEL programs at Field Elementary and Lincoln High, reaching approximately 80 students! As a result, we've seen incredible growth in our students. They're learning to navigate their feelings, understand how their thoughts impact their actions, and develop essential skills for facing life's challenges. Together, we can create brighter futures. Learn more in our 2024 Annual Report. https://lnkd.in/gEKHmGNP

Do you know a high school senior in City Heights who deserves to be recognized? This year’s Light Our Way campaign is now accepting nominations for graduating seniors to receive a special recognition banner displayed right here in City Heights! Who can apply? Any senior who lives in or attends a high school in City Heights. Who can nominate? Anyone—friends, family, teachers, mentors, or the students themselves! Deadline: Monday, March 31 at 5 p.m. Help shine a light on the incredible youth in our community! Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gXm3WccU