Influence The Choice

10/05/2026

We had so much fun connecting with community members at Salmon Days this weekend!

Kids and grown-ups alike enjoyed our trivia game, tested their knowledge, and hopefully learned something new along the way. We also asked community members an important question: What does our community need most?

We heard that our community would love to see more places to hang out and meet new friends, more youth leadership opportunities, stronger support for mental health and stress, better screen time balance, and more ways for young people to get around safely.

We’re grateful to everyone who shared their ideas and helped us better understand what matters most to our community!

10/05/2026

The Protective Conversations Workshop is happening TOMORROW, Tuesday, October 6th at 6:30PM on Zoom. Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002080502678?aff=oddtdtcreator

Some conversations with our children can feel difficult to start, but they are important conversations to have.

Join Influence the Choice and Nova Talks for Protective Conversations: Talking with Children About CSA and Substance Use.

This workshop will provide parents and caregivers with practical, age-appropriate strategies for talking with children about body safety, boundaries, consent, substance use, peer pressure, refusal skills, and healthy decision-making.

Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/protective-conversations-talking-with-children-about-csa-and-substance-use-tickets-2002080502678

09/25/2026

Some conversations with our children can feel difficult to start, but they are important conversations to have.

Join Influence the Choice and Nova Talks for Protective Conversations: Talking with Children About CSA and Substance Use.

This workshop will provide parents and caregivers with practical, age-appropriate strategies for talking with children about body safety, boundaries, consent, substance use, peer pressure, refusal skills, and healthy decision-making.

Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/protective-conversations-talking-with-children-about-csa-and-substance-use-tickets-2002080502678

09/15/2026

Action Forum for Youth is TOMORROW MORNING!🚨

There’s still time to register for Action Forum for Youth - a free community conversation about youth substance use trends and youth wellbeing in our community.

Join us to:
- Hear newly released 2025 Issaquah School District Healthy Youth Survey data
- Hear honest perspectives from local students
- Be a part of the conversation about how families, schools, and our community can support young people

EVENT DETAILS:
Wednesday, September 16th
7:30–9:15 AM
Blakely Hall (2550 NE Park Dr, Issaquah)

Reserve your seat today and join us tomorrow morning!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-action-forum-for-youth-tickets-1997878093158

09/09/2026

📣 Action Forum for Youth is ONE WEEK AWAY!

Join us next Wednesday, September 16th, at Blakely Hall in Issaquah Highlands for an important and engaging conversation about youth substance use, wellbeing, and how we can support young people in our community.

Take a little time out of your morning and join us for:

• Opening remarks from King County Councilmember Sarah Perry
• New 2025 Healthy Youth Survey data presented by ITC’s new Executive Director, Erica Vogt
• A student panel featuring young people sharing their honest perspectives and experiences
• Free coffee and refreshments! ☕😊

This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest HYS data and hear directly from students about what they’re seeing and experiencing.

We’d love to have you join us! Learn more and register here:

Join Influence the Choice for current youth substance use data and to hear directly from local students about their experiences.

08/20/2026

We’re excited to announce that Councilmember Sarah Perry will be joining us for Action Forum for Youth and delivering opening remarks! 🎉

Join us for a conversation featuring newly released 2025 Healthy Youth Survey data from the Issaquah School District and a student panel sharing local youth perspectives.

This town hall event is FREE and open to the community! Coffee and light refreshments provided.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-action-forum-for-youth-tickets-1997878093158

08/18/2026

SAVE THE DATE! Action Forum for Youth is on Wednesday, Sept. 16!

Join us to learn, connect, and hear directly from young people about the issues impacting youth in our community.

We’ll share the latest results from the 2025 Healthy Youth Survey, explore current trends in youth substance use, and hear from a panel of local students about their experiences and perspectives.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026
8–9:15 AM
Blakely Hall | Issaquah Highlands

Coffee and light refreshments will be provided!

Registration is now open. Save your spot and join us for this important community conversation! Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-action-forum-for-youth-tickets-1997878093158?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/12/2026

Come find us at the Back to School Resource Fair happening TODAY from 11AM to 6PM at Clark Elementary School!

Not only can you spin the wheel at our table for a chance to win some goodies, but you can also connect with community organizations and find essential resources for students and families! All ISD students and families are welcome! 👏

07/31/2026

We recently sat down with Divisha, one of our students involved with our youth coalition, TECH (Teens Encouraging Community Health), and the founder of Know Your Ride - Clear Rules. Safer Rides., to talk about the connection between youth substance use prevention and e-bike safety.

Whether it's choosing to wear a helmet, ride responsibly, or steer clear of alcohol and other drugs, every healthy decision builds habits that protect both the individual and those around them. That's why we're proud to support youth-led initiatives like Know Your Ride that empower young people to think ahead, make informed decisions, and create safer communities.

Thank you, Divisha, for your leadership and for helping show that prevention extends into every part of our daily lives! Learn more about Know Your Ride here: https://www.knowyourride.org/

06/19/2026

ITC Announces new Executive Director!

The Board of Directors of Influence the Choice is pleased to announce the appointment of Erica Vogt as our new Executive Director.

Read the full announcement here:https://www.influencethechoice.org/uploads/1/2/6/8/126895988/executive_director_announcement.pdf

Erica joined Influence the Choice as Program Coordinator and quickly became an integral part of the organization, helping strengthen our programs, community partnerships, events, and outreach efforts. Through her dedication and commitment to our mission, she has consistently demonstrated a deep investment in the youth, families, and communities we support.

The Board has full confidence in Erica’s ability to lead the organization forward and is excited about the vision, energy, and stability she brings to this role. We are excited about this next chapter and look forward to the continued growth and impact of Influence the Choice under her leadership. Please join us in congratulating Erica!

Thank you,
Brooke Drennon
Board Chair, Influence the Choice