About SQUAD
417 SQUAD is a collection of high school students who work together to prevent peer substance use and violence while promoting mental health and helping shape the future for younger students. We're made up of students from Springfield middle and high schools. SQUAD members are intentional about preventing peer substance use and interested in educating and engaging their communities in prevention activities. We are looking to grow our coalition and need members in all grades 6-12!
The coalition was initiated 5 years ago as a partnership between then Deputy Superintendent and a Prevention Specialist from Community Partnership of the Ozarks. In years past, we have tried busing students from different high schools together in one single location to meet. Due to changes in leadership and transportation, 417 SQUAD was forced to secured different meeting locations and times. Last year, the coalition meet on Saturdays at CPO's Main Building in Downtown Springfield.
Rather than try to bring students from every high school together, I envision bringing a prevention message, enthusiasm, and expertise to each school separately. The plan is to establish or partner with an existing sanctioned club or group that has a similar mission and value. Students have the opportunity to learn about assessments, surveying, project planning and management, implementation, and evaluation. We will be utilizing various media resources and mediums to gather information and execute prevention campaigns.
Announcements:
417 SQUAD is going through a period of rebirth and rebuilding. The COVID-19 Pandemic completely changed how we organized and met as a coalition. Our community has weathered the storms of 2020 and 2021 school years. We believe we have come out the other side stronger and more resilient. Unfortunately, youth substance use and misuse continued to climb during that 2 year period. We must continue the work of youth prevention advocacy and education.
"Nothing about us with out us."
We at Community Partnership of the Ozarks and 417 SQUAD believe that youth prevention messaging and work will not be effective without student participation, implementation and leadership. 417 SQUAD empowers students to become leaders and organizers in their communities. Leaders in preventing substance use and misuse.
2021-2022 Events
Saturday, October 16th - Kickoff Retreat/1st Quarter Meeting
Saturday, December 11th - 2nd Quarter Meeting
Saturday, January 22nd - 3rd Quarter Meeting
Saturday, March 26th - 4th Quarter Meeting
Saturday, May 14th - Wrap-up Retreat