The Linn County STAND Youth Council is taking a creative approach to spark important conversations between parents and teens with their new video series inspired by Dr. Seuss. Through playful rhymes and familiar storytelling, the youth-led project encourages parents to start simple, everyday conversations about the risks of substance use. The first video in the series tackles vaping, blending humor and heartfelt messages to show how small talks can have a big impact.

This campaign highlights that parents don’t need perfect scripts or special moments—just a willingness to talk. Each video focuses on a different substance: vaping, marijuana, and alcohol. The second video, just released, specifically addresses underage drinking. STAND Youth Council hopes that these short, engaging clips will make it easier for parents to open up and share their expectations with their children. The students behind the project emphasize that these conversations can happen anywhere—during meals, on a walk, or even over a quick text.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful message: what parents say matters. By encouraging regular, relaxed discussions about risky behaviors, STAND aims to strengthen family connections and support healthier choices. The council invites families to watch the videos together and use them as a starting point for open dialogue.

Learn more about the project and watch the videos at linntogether.org/Stand-youth-council (USA, April 2025)