My Neighbor’s Keeper Alliance Inc.

Our Mission My Neighbor’s Keeper Alliance, USA (MyNKA, USA) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to raising awareness about alcohol and drug abuse within adolescent minority communities in the Washington Metropolitan Area. We strive to equip youth with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices and prevent substance misuse. Our Vision We aim to empower minority youth with the resources, skills, and support needed to prevent early drug use, fostering drug-free homes and communities, one neighbor and one child at a time. Our History Founded in August 2021, MyNKA, USA has been committed to transforming lives through education, partnership, and awareness. In January 2024, we launched our signature Youth Taking Action Against Drugs (YTAAD) program, which empowers youth to develop positive social and decision-making skills and influence their peers to embrace drug-free lifestyles. Since our inception, we have worked tirelessly to address the growing issue of substance abuse in minority communities, engaging youth, educators, and healthcare professionals in our mission. Our Programs MyNKA, USA delivers impactful programs to achieve our mission and vision, including: - Youth Taking Action Against Drugs (YTAAD): Our flagship program, launched in January 2024, engages youth in school-based initiatives like PSA announcements, essay, poster, and video contests, and drug abuse prevention modules. YTAAD encourages teens to create and share content about the dangers of substance abuse, participate in drug-free lifestyle pledges, and lead peer-driven awareness campaigns, with rewards and recognition for their efforts. - Narcan Training: We collaborate with healthcare partners to provide training on Narcan (naloxone) administration, equipping youth, educators, and community members with life-saving skills to respond to opioid overdoses, enhancing community safety and preparedness. - Community Outreach to Schools and Communities: MyNKA, USA partners with schools and local organizations to deliver educational workshops, youth clubs (in affiliation with Prince George’s health department), and awareness campaigns. These efforts sensitize communities to the impact of substance misuse and promote drug-free environments through interactive and youth-led initiatives. By combining education, skill-building, and community engagement, MyNKA, USA empowers minority youth to lead the charge against substance abuse, creating healthier, stronger neighborhoods.

At My Neighbor’s Keeper Alliance, USA (MyNKA, USA), youth volunteers are at the heart of our mission to raise awareness about alcohol and drug abuse in adolescent minority communities in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Through our vision of empowering minority youth with the knowledge, tools, and resources to prevent early drug use and foster drug-free homes and communities, our volunteers play a critical role in creating lasting change, one neighbor and one child at a time. By participating in our signature program: Youth Taking Action Against Drugs (YTAAD), and a variety of engaging activities, youth volunteers help us achieve our goals while developing leadership, decision-making, and social skills. How Youth Volunteers Help Accomplish Our Mission and Vision Youth volunteers are active participants in addressing substance abuse by educating their peers, promoting drug-free lifestyles, and building positive community connections. Through hands-on involvement in our programs, they empower themselves and others to make informed choices, reinforcing our commitment to education, partnership, and awareness. Their efforts help sensitize communities to the dangers of substance misuse and inspire meaningful action to create healthier neighborhoods. Programs and Activities for Youth Volunteers Our youth volunteers engage in a diverse range of impactful and rewarding activities designed to educate, inspire, and connect: - Youth Clubs: Volunteers participate in and help lead our workshops youth clubs in partnership with the Prince George’s county health department- department of behavioral health, creating safe spaces for teens to discuss substance abuse prevention, build peer support, and develop leadership skills. - School-Based Model Programs: Volunteers take the lead in creating and promoting drug abuse prevention initiatives, including: - PSA Announcements: Developing and sharing messages about the dangers of substance abuse. - Competitions: Organizing and participating in essay, poster art, and video contests to raise awareness, with opportunities to create and share videos on social media platforms. - Drug Abuse Prevention Modules: Collaborating with peers to deliver educational content in schools. Volunteers are recognized and rewarded for their contributions, with prizes for contest winners. - Drug-Free Lifestyle Pledge: Volunteers promote and encourage peers, coaches, and teachers to sign pledges committing to a drug-free lifestyle, distributing incentives like mugs, t-shirts, and coupons to participants. - Mentorship Sessions: Volunteers participate in mentorship sessions with guest speakers and mentors, including community leaders, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experiences, who provide guidance on navigating challenges related to substance abuse and personal growth. - Experiential Field Trips: Volunteers join educational and interactive field trips to learn about substance abuse prevention, community health, and leadership in real-world settings, fostering a deeper understanding of our mission. - Bonding and Outdoor Activities: Volunteers engage in team-building outdoor activities that promote camaraderie, trust, and resilience, creating strong bonds among peers and reinforcing a sense of community. - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Events: Volunteers help organize and participate in events focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, addressing critical issues that often intersect with substance abuse, and promoting holistic well-being. - End-of-Year Celebrations: Volunteers come together to celebrate their achievements, reflect on their impact, and be recognized for their contributions at festive year-end events, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Why Youth Volunteers Matter Through these activities, youth volunteers become ambassadors for change, influencing their peers and communities to embrace drug-free lifestyles. By leading initiatives, collaborating with mentors, and engaging in meaningful experiences, they develop essential skills while advancing our mission to empower minority youth. Their energy, creativity, and commitment make them vital to building drug-free homes and communities, one neighbor at a time.