🌟 ME-RAP Youth Caucus Update 🌟 🌟May 2025 🌟
From alleyway clean-ups to statewide policy advocacy, ME-RAP’s Youth Caucuses have been making powerful moves this season. Here's a snapshot of what our youth allies have been up to:
Washington County Youth Caucus: Community Care in Action
The Washington County crew showed up big for their community this month. During a cleanup event in downtown Machias, youth allies tackled the “Creepy Alleyway,” a well-used shortcut that had collected trash through the winter. The group filled three large trash bags and made the space safer and cleaner for all who pass through. Afterward, they began their next project: decorating kindness rocks to place throughout town—a small but mighty way to lift spirits.
Even when the weather forced plans indoors, these youth didn’t miss a beat. On a rainy day, they made TikTok videos, assembled wound care kits for the recovery center, and received training on administering intramuscular (I.M.) naloxone—continuing to build their harm reduction skills and their sense of solidarity.
Penobscot County Youth Caucus: Leading and Learning
In Penobscot County, youth leaders not only participated in the regional Train-the-Trainer Naloxone Training (more on that below!), but also hosted Kennebec and Washington County peers in a day of relationship building, shared meals, and peer feedback. Penobscot youth practiced and strengthened their facilitation skills using ME-RAP’s finalized youth-led naloxone curriculum, receiving coaching from peers and adult staff alike.
The caucus also engaged in a creative community event to assemble May Day and Mother’s Day baskets. While lower-than-expected attendance sparked some disappointment, youth and adult allies named the barriers, supported each other emotionally, and moved forward in community—completing thoughtful gifts for their own caregivers.
Kennebec County Youth Caucus: Games, Growth, and Giving Back
The Kennebec group brought energy and joy to their monthly gathering with pizza, laughter, and a round of naloxone-themed Jeopardy (shout out to Jon for designing the game!). Youth allies deepened their harm reduction knowledge in a format that was fun and accessible, reinforcing both skill-building and connection.
In addition to joining the regional training in Bangor, Kennebec Youth also spent time planning future civic engagement projects alongside their peers from other counties. Each meeting is a reminder that learning can be both joyful and transformative.
This milestone represents a shift in the landscape: young people are no longer just participants in harm reduction—they are leaders and trainers.
Train-the-Trainer Naloxone Training: Youth Leading the Charge
Is that a lot of training or what?! (You were supposed to laugh!) 🎉
Thirteen youth from Penobscot, Kennebec, and Washington Counties gathered in Bangor for ME-RAP’s first-ever Train-the-Trainer Naloxone Training. The event equipped youth allies with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to return home and train their peers. The Bangor crew even put their skills into action right away by leading a peer naloxone training at the YMCA—engaging young people and distributing life-saving medication on the spot.
This milestone represents a shift in the landscape: young people are no longer just participants in harm reduction—they are leaders and trainers.
Youth Advocacy Spotlight: Kayleigh with Governor Mills!
ME-RAP youth organizer Kayleigh joined representatives from the Maine Department of Education to present an update on Chapters 40 and 41—new rules mandating naloxone availability and training in Maine schools at Governor Mill's Opioid Webinar! Kayleigh spoke passionately about the essential role youth played in advancing this legislation and called on adults to partner with youth in implementing the policies meaningfully. Her presence was powerful and unforgettable. This is youth leadership in action—and it's changing the system.
CGA + Youth Train Adults at the MYAN Retreat
CGA and team members led a hands-on training for adult allies at the MYAN Retreat. Through the activity of assembling harm reduction and resource bags, the team taught organizing principles in real time—modeling the kind of peer-led, community-rooted work that ME-RAP champions. There were also a few pivots along the way, which is community organizing at it's best. The group put together 100 community hygiene bags!
In Their Hands, Our Future is Bright
From policy tables to alleyway cleanups, ME-RAP youth are leading with courage, creativity, and care. We’re honored to walk beside them.
