The youth-led #WeAreTheNorm Social Norms Campaign launches today and will aim to educate the community on the healthy and positive decisions Norwood youth are making. (Photo courtesy Town of Norwood) 
The youth-led #WeAreTheNorm Social Norms Campaign launches today and will aim to educate the community on the healthy and positive decisions Norwood youth are making. (Photo courtesy Town of Norwood)
NORWOOD — General Manager Tony Mazzucco, Public Health Director Sigalle Reiss and Program Director Aubrey Ciol are pleased to announce the launch of the youth-led Impact Norwood Social Norms Campaign.
The campaign, #WeAreTheNorm, launches today and will continue over the course of the next year. The campaign aims to correct misperceptions about youth and substance use by educating members of the Norwood community on the true behaviors of youth in Norwood.
Through the use of public service announcements, billboards and other creative means, the campaign will educate the public on the healthy and positive decisions Norwood youth are making. For example, according to the most recent MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, 85% of youth in the community do not consume alcohol.
A Youth Quote Wall is currently available for viewing online here, and other Norwood Youth are encouraged to submit quotes for the page as well. The group also hopes to host events as part of the campaign in accordance with COVID-19 regulations.
As part of Impact Norwood, students in grades 6-12 who seek to raise awareness and knowledge around health and substance use prevention in the community work with the coalition as youth ambassadors. The program seeks to build leadership skills, develop long-lasting relationships between youth and adults, and make real change in the Norwood community.
The planning for the #WeAreTheNorm campaign has taken place over the past year and has involved just under 20 youth ambassadors in grades 6-12.
“The Social Norms Campaign would not have been possible without the energy and dedication of our youth ambassadors,” Impact Norwood Program Coordinator Francesca Golightly said. “Their commitment to changing local and societal perceptions is evident throughout all of the materials they’ve designed. They are so excited to make a difference in the Norwood community and we are very excited about the campaign’s launch.”
To follow along with the campaign, visit the coalition’s website and Facebook page.
About the Impact Norwood Substance Use Prevention Coalition
Founded in 2014, the Impact Norwood Substance Use Prevention coalition uses a community approach to promote a drug-free and healthy Norwood through education, awareness, prevention and action. The coalition is made up of individuals who have loved ones affected by substance use, or concerned citizens who want to do what they can to prevent youth and adult substance misuse.
To learn more about Impact Norwood, visit www.impactnorwood.org.
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