February was a busy and impactful month for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria, who serves as the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Through community engagement, student leadership, and prevention education, Alina continued to demonstrate how youth leaders can create positive change both in their communities and on campus.
One of Alina’s ongoing commitments this month was participating in the Substance Use Prevention Education (SUPE) Cohort, a weekly gathering focused on substance abuse awareness and prevention. The cohort, organized by SUPE and the Native Sisters Circle, brings together a small group of participants each Thursday in Sacramento, California to study a curriculum designed to educate community members about substance use prevention.
On February 12, the group celebrated an important milestone by completing the adult portion of the curriculum. The cohort has now transitioned into the youth-focused curriculum, continuing to strengthen skills that will help participants support prevention efforts within their own communities. Each meeting begins and ends with prayer and a cultural song, grounding the group in cultural values while learning practical prevention strategies.
Participants also rotate teaching portions of the curriculum, allowing everyone to build confidence and leadership skills. The group is currently working on launching a podcast that will invite guests to share experiences, resources, and knowledge related to substance use prevention in Native communities.
Reflecting on the experience, Alina shared, “I appreciate the safe space. Each group we rotate teaching the curriculum, and it’s a safe opportunity to practice the skills necessary to one day coordinate our own group.”
In addition to community prevention work, Alina remained active in student leadership as the Student Government President at her high school. During the week of February 9–13, she organized a Valentine’s Day event titled “Cupid’s Competition.” Instead of the traditional candy gram fundraiser, Alina created a friendly competition between grade levels, encouraging each class to design its own creative fundraising item.
Freshman students sold chip bouquets, sophomores prepared baked goods bundles, juniors made decorated rice krispie treats, and seniors sold chocolate-covered strawberries. The event generated excitement throughout the school and successfully increased student participation.
“I’m so proud of the Student Government team,” Alina said. “Everyone came up with fun, personalized ideas to increase spirit for our school.”
Alina also welcomed school sponsors to campus on February 18, where she helped coordinate a meeting between sponsors, student government representatives, and student ambassadors. During the visit, students answered questions about their school community and shared their experiences as student leaders. The sponsors expressed appreciation for the professionalism and insight the students provided.
Continuing her focus on preparedness and community safety, Alina completed CPR, First Aid, and Narcan training on February 20 through her school. The training covered emergency response skills for infants, children, and adults, along with proper use of lifesaving tools in critical situations.
“I respect that my school provided this training,” Alina shared. “It’s very important to be prepared in situations of emergency.”
Through prevention education, student leadership, and community service, Alina continues to represent the mission of UNITY by empowering youth to lead with responsibility, compassion, and cultural values. As a Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, she demonstrates how Native youth leadership can strengthen communities while preparing the next generation to respond to challenges with knowledge and care.