Each year young adult leaders are the driving force for the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s (ABC) Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP). This year one of these volunteer leaders will represent Charlotte County at the week-long event to develop plans to combat underage substance use across the commonwealth. The YADAPP conference is set for July 18-22 at Longwood University in Farmville, according to an ABC press release.

For more than three decades, enthusiastic teams of Virginia youth have convened for a week in the summer to brainstorm ways to inspire their peers to keep their schools and communities alcohol free. Among the youth from around the state who will volunteer their time and concerted efforts to lead this year’s conference will be Dominique Dews of Red House.

“Peer leaders are integral to the success of YADAPP,” said Virginia ABC Chairman Jeffrey Painter. “We are very proud of the outstanding young men and women who donate their considerable time and energy each year to promote a healthier environment for Virginia’s students.”

This year 58 youth staff will guide and coach student participants through the program, which requires that each team in attendance develop Strategies to Act Now (STAN) plans.

In addition to the YADAPP program, the release stated Virginia ABC offers many education and prevention initiatives, including a grant program that annually awards funds to community organizations for alcohol education and prevention programs across the state; and a College Tour conference that advocates healthy choices and social responsibility to Virginia college students.