On April 23, student leaders from Dexter High School’s SRSLY club traveled to Lansing to participate in the Michigan Prevention Association’s Advocacy Day, a statewide event dedicated to youth-led substance use prevention advocacy. The event brought together students, prevention professionals, and policymakers to address issues affecting youth health and safety across Michigan.
Dexter students took the opportunity to meet directly with State Senator Sue Shink and State Representative Carrie Rheingans to discuss the growing concern around cannabis advertising and flavored vaping products. Their message was clear: stronger regulations are needed to protect Michigan’s youth from targeted marketing and harmful substances.
Representing the SRSLY Youth Steering Committee, juniors Clara Lamb (SRSLY President), Robin Ferguson, and Halle Parks led the advocacy efforts on behalf of Dexter High School. The students voiced their concerns about how easily teens are being influenced by cannabis-related ads and the widespread availability of flavored vape products, which remain popular among young people.
“It’s really frustrating to see how billboard ads and flavored vapes are clearly meant to attract teens,” said Clara Lamb. “They shouldn’t be allowed to target people our age.”
During their meetings, the students emphasized the urgent need for legislation that would limit advertising tactics aimed at youth—particularly on billboards and social media—and restrict the sale of flavored vaping products that often resemble candy or fruit. They highlighted how these products are designed to be appealing to teenagers, potentially leading to long-term health consequences and addiction.
Advocacy Day served as a powerful learning experience for the students, offering them a chance to see the policymaking process firsthand and make their voices heard. It also allowed them to connect with other youth from across the state who share their passion for prevention and community well-being.
The Dexter SRSLY club continues to empower students to lead initiatives focused on mental health, substance use prevention, and promoting positive choices. Their involvement in Advocacy Day reflects the club’s mission to give young people the tools and platform they need to create real change.
With events like these, Michigan’s youth are showing that they are not only aware of the issues facing their generation—they’re ready to do something about them.
