Influence the Choice

Mission

Influence the Choice is committed to reducing youth substance use and promoting overall well-being by addressing root causes, fostering resilience, and providing education and prevention services to youth, families, and communities.

Key Programs

 Teens Encouraging Community Health (TECH)

Teens Encouraging Community Health (TECH) is a youth-led coalition dedicated to youth substance use prevention and mental wellness through positive outreach and advocacy.  Middle and high school students (ages 12–18) from the Issaquah School District team up in TECH to build leadership skills, learn about healthy choices, and create real change in their communities.  There are also TECH Clubs at Skyline and Liberty High Schools.

"Art with Influence" Student Art Contest

           

Art with Influence is a student art contest that has students creating PSA videos and 2-D art to inspire youth to positively influence each other to not use alcohol or other drugs.  Winners are announced at our annual Art with Influence Gala, where winning videos are shown and art is displayed.  See past winners HERE.

Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden in Plain Sight is an interactive recreation of a teenager's bedroom that reveals subtle warning signs of possible substance misuse. The exhibit is designed to help parents and caregivers recognize everyday items that may indicate risky behaviors. Influence the Choice provides this exhibit to educate and empower parents with practical tools for communication. Visitors leave with greater awareness and strategies to support healthy, substance-free choices for their students.

Substance-Free High School Athletics!

Every Day, Coaches Make a Difference.

As a community, we can equip our coaches with the tools to make an even greater impact. By supporting coaches in delivering drug-free lessons to their athletes, we are giving young people the foundation they need to succeed—not just in sports, but in life. These lessons can prevent substance abuse, foster positive decision-making, and empower youth to choose health, wellness, and future success.

More About Influence the Choice

Influence the Choice provides comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to reduce and prevent student substance use through a three-prong approach focusing on students, parents and community members. We work with school districts to educate students directly, equipping them with the necessary tools to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure. We engage parents and empower them with knowledge and resources to recognize warning signs of use and to foster open dialogue about alcohol and other drugs and their expectation that their children will not use them. 

Additionally, we have a Positive Community Norms campaign to correct misperceptions that exist about youth substance use rates. Through this tri-fold approach, Influence the Choice aims to create a supportive environment that promotes healthier choices and prevents drug and alcohol use among students in grades six through twelve. 

Influence the Choice is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and reducing student substance use and promoting youth mental well-being. Since 2011 we have helped youth living in Issaquah, Renton, Newcastle, Bellevue, Sammamish and unincorporated King County reduce substance use. www.influencethechoice.org