What We Do
The Watertown Youth Coalition creates and participates in community-wide efforts to address the mental health and wellness needs of young people in Watertown. These projects and campaigns promote positive coping strategies for mental health challenges, especially as alternatives to substance use. WYC advocates for inclusivity, racial equity, and social justice in order to best-support the vibrant and diverse culture that is Watertown.
W2B2 Youth Wellness Collaborative
W2B2 Youth Wellness Collaborative (formally known as SAPC: Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative) is a partnership of Watertown, Waltham, Belmont, and Brookline Youth Coalitions. W2B2 serves as a regional effort, not only to reduce underage substance use, but also to reduce the high-risk behaviors often associated with substance use. The collaborative meets once a month to review the YRBS data specific to the Middlesex region and creates youth programming to promote positive mental health and coping strategies as an alternative to using substances. Some of W2B2’s recent efforts are the #AddressTheStress! social media campaign, and a teen Mental Health First Aid certification training course; where 10-12th graders from the four communities came together to get certified in mental health first aid. Click Here to Learn More about Mental Health First Aid.
Follow us on Instagram for tips on how to #AddressTheStress! @W2B2YouthWellnessCollaborative
WYC Peer Leadership
As active and engaged Coalition members, WYC Peer Leadership gives young people in Watertown the opportunity to participate in projects that promote: teen wellness, racial & gender equity, and aim to reduce teen substance use. Find out more>>
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
The YRBS is used to collect data on the high-risk behaviors of adolescents and explore what protective factors they may or may not be utilizing- or know about. These results assist WYC [and W2B2] to respond to the range of youth-focused issues addressed in the YRBS and serve as the foundation for community-wide prevention efforts. Results are compiled into an annual report and distributed throughout the community. Find out more>>
Parent & Youth Workshops
WYC hosts educational workshops designed to provide information, skills, and resources about issues that are important to Watertown families. Past workshops have featured field experts on internet safety/cyber bullying; parent & child communication; and adolescent brain development.
Media & Social Marketing
WYC uses a variety of media channels to raise awareness about Coalition activities and youth-specific issues. Social marketing campaigns, tip sheets for parents, news articles, and email communication are a few ways the Coalition increases its visibility and draws attention to important issues- all of which aim to increase positive youth behavior.
Past Projects