Welcome to Nonprofit Nation hosted by Amanda Pearch— where we bring the efforts shaping our community into focus! This podcast series highlights the meaningful work nonprofits are doing to strengthen our community. Each episode, we speak with Nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and advocates addressing real challenges and creating impactful solutions. Join us as we explore their stories, the obstacles they face, and the measurable change they bring to the people and causes they serve. Enjoy this episode featuring Rising Seniors from Lamber High School Raising Awareness Through Their Peer Prevention Program, in Partnership with The Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council.

This episode:

Peer Prevention?
Meet these Rising Seniors
Community Outreach
GET INVOLVED

Nonprofit Nation conversations are made possible by our Series MISSION PARTNERS at

The Corner Gathering & Sugar Hill Church.

Prevention Starts With a Conversation

What happens when young people are given a voice in the conversations that directly affect their generation?

On this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Amanda Pearch welcomed students from Lambert High School’s Peer Prevention Project for a candid conversation about marijuana use, peer influence, prevention, and the power of students educating students.

The initiative goes beyond simply telling teens what not to do. These students are working to create awareness among their peers by developing messages that are relevant, informed, and designed to reach young people where they are.

Joining the conversation was We Believe Recovery Residence, bringing another important perspective to the table: what substance use can look like beyond the initial decision and why prevention, education, strong environments, and community support all matter.

Together, the conversation connected two important sides of the issue. Prevention can help young people make informed choices before substance use becomes a larger problem, while recovery organizations provide support and a path forward for those whose lives have already been impacted.

As part of their continued efforts, the Lambert students are also launching a billboard design competition open to middle and high school students. Participants will create original concepts highlighting the risks and negative effects of marijuana use through statistics, health information, facts, or other creative messaging. The winning concept will become part of a public awareness campaign designed to take the students’ message beyond the classroom and into the broader community.

It’s a strong reminder of what can happen when students, schools, nonprofits, and community partners work together: young people aren’t simply included in the conversation. They can help lead it.