Those who Teach, Know: Engaging teens and young adults as colleagues in disaster simulation and curriculum design

To date, despite significant efforts, the United States population has not adopted personal preparedness behaviors to the degree desired. Whole community preparedness strategies require broadening the reach of personal preparedness behaviors. Much work has gone into developing messages and strategies, but with  less than the desired uptake. Whole community resilience requires broader individual exposure, awareness and adoption of preparedness principles. Teens and young adults represent a unique demographic with skills which can enhance the delivery of messages, and their reach. Our community disaster skills simulation is in its fourth year and relies heavily on teen engagement as actors and in community response rolls, but in addition teens and young adults have participated in more substantial rolls including actor recruitment and makeup, curriculum development for personal preparedness, and logistical support. These young participants have added breadth and depth to our event.Teens and young adults enjoy sharing their talents for the better good. Middle and high school teachers have insight into how teens learn and engage in teaching and learning, and together teachers and teens can increase the impact of simulation activities. This poster highlights what significant contributions teens have been able to make and the theoretical underpinnings of teen and young adult engagement. Teen team members share from their perspective what works and what doesn't in bringing their peers to the table. They review the barriers to teen engagement in preparedness and resilience work, and the results of their most recent efforts.