Date & Time: Thursday, April 9th, 2026, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join Prevention Works!VT for Vermont Prevention Day 2026, an annual gathering that brings together prevention professionals, youth leaders, and community partners to highlight the powerful impact of substance misuse prevention on the health and well-being of Vermont’s youth and communities.

Held at the Vermont Statehouse and the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, this event offers a unique opportunity to showcase prevention successes, engage with legislators, and strengthen connections across Vermont’s prevention community.

We hope to see you there!  Register HERE

With more than 1,000 pieces of legislation introduced during this session, April will be a busy time at the Statehouse. Participants are encouraged to reach out to their legislators ahead of time to schedule meetings, attend committee hearings, or plan informal conversations during the day.

Youth Prevention Showcase – 9:30 AM

A highlight of the day is the Youth Prevention Showcase, celebrating youth-led prevention initiatives from across Vermont. Schools and community organizations will have approximately five minutes to share their work through a slideshow, skit, song, short presentation, or other creative format.

The goal is to celebrate student leadership and local prevention successes rather than formal advocacy.

Participants should indicate on the registration form if their students would like to participate.

Preparing Youth for Advocacy

In the days leading up to Prevention Day, students will be invited to participate in a one-hour virtual training designed to build skills and confidence for interacting with legislators. At least one student from each school is encouraged to attend and share what they learn with their group.

Students can play an active leadership role by:

• Writing letters to legislators to schedule meetings or attend committee hearings

• Sharing letters about prevention issues important to them

• Preparing and presenting their Youth Prevention Showcase presentation

• Reaching out in advance to arrange meetings or attend committee sessions

Advocacy Your Way

The remainder of the day is flexible to allow participants to engage in the legislative process in ways that work best for them. Activities may include:

• Attending legislative committee meetings

• Touring the Statehouse

• Meeting with legislators

• Informal networking over lunch

At 1:00 PM, the House and Senate will meet in full session, and participants are invited to observe from the balcony. A welcome and legislative resolution may also be presented.

Get the Scoop on Prevention

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Statehouse Cafeteria

Join Vermont Prevention Leadership Organizations (VPLOs) for a legislative social featuring ice cream and snacks. This is a great opportunity to connect with legislators and highlight the impact prevention efforts are having in communities across the state.

Schedule:

• 3:00 – 4:00 PM: Briefing and elevator speech workshop

• 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Networking session with lawmakers

  
  

Registration

Participants are encouraged to register in advance and begin coordinating meetings with legislators ahead of the event.

For questions, please contact Beth at Beth@preventionworksvermont.org.

For updates and additional details, visit the Prevention Works!VT website.