The #MyReasonWhyDE campaign in Delaware takes a fresh, youth-driven approach to substance abuse prevention. At its core, it empowers young people to reflect on and share their personal reasons for staying substance-free. Through social media campaigns, public service announcements, and community events, the initiative highlights protective factors that help youth make healthy choices, while amplifying peer voices to inspire others.

One of the most engaging aspects of the program is its hands-on activities. Youth can participate in live workshops or step into on-site PSA booths at community events to record their own prevention messages. These sessions blend social-emotional learning with leadership and advocacy, giving participants not only a voice but also the tools to influence their peers. Facilitators and educators are also invited to bring the program into schools and community centers, ensuring that prevention becomes a shared and sustained effort.

The campaign’s video series provides powerful testimony from both young people and community leaders. Participants share deeply personal motivations, from wanting to model healthy behavior as healthcare professionals or state leaders, to honoring family members facing health struggles, to staying reliable for friends and colleagues. Each story underscores the central message: prevention is personal, and every reason matters.

By rooting prevention in authentic experiences, #MyReasonWhyDE builds resilience in individuals and strengthens community bonds. It is a reminder that positive change comes from within communities when youth and adults stand together to model healthier choices. The campaign not only spreads awareness but also sparks ongoing advocacy, challenging each person to reflect and answer the same question: What’s your reason why?

Find more from CAUSE Community Network (USA, 2025)