Tomas Barraza
Tomas Barraza is the co-founder of Vive18, our lead media trainer, and a Hispanic national speaker on substance abuse prevention and diversion.
Growing up in a small rural community, Tomas saw the destruction of drug use. As an advocate passionate about recovery and second chances, he helped create Vive18 to show students there are healthy ways to make friends, have fun and feel good while protecting their future.
His insights and life changing message have not only been featured in news outlets, but also showcased on the stages of CADCA national conferences and reached more than 100,000 students across the nation in middle schools and high schools.
If you’re looking for someone to connect with the students who are currently using, Tomas is able to share how great life is when drugs are not part of the picture anymore and give hope to students who are struggling.
Restorative and Real: Life’s Better Without It
Middle or High School Keynote/Assembly
Like many of today’s youth, Tomas saw the realities of substance use all around him growing up. After thriving in recovery for 13 years and speaking to more than 100,000 students nationwide, he teaches the “Be, Do, Have” framework to let go of your past and create the best future possible. Incorporating facts and science about addiction, Tomas encourages audiences with a fresh perspective on building a life they don’t need to escape from.
After this session, participants should be able to…
Explain why avoiding substance use is important to brain development.
List at least 3 healthy ways to cope with stress and challenges.
Explain why cannabis, alcohol and nicotine are harmful.
Ask for help from a trusted adult.
Good Vibes & Great Videos: Empowering Youth Voices Through Social Media PSAs
Student Leader Workshop
In today’s digital landscape, anyone can share negative or harmful messages online. That’s why it’s so important to equip young people to spread positive, healthy, and hopeful messages to their peers. Not only does youth content genuinely resonate with students, it fosters active youth involvement in prevention, and generates compelling social media content. This dynamic 1-hour workshop, led by Vive18 co-founder Tomas Barraza, empowers young people to become the architects of their own prevention narratives.
Participants will delve into the “why” behind video’s power and learn practical, actionable strategies for producing authentic, peer-to-peer content that breaks through the noise. We’ll cover common creation pitfalls and demystify techniques for capturing engaging video. Leverage the “influencer” spirit of today’s landscape to create a continuous stream of relevant content, foster meaningful engagement, and amplify prevention messages across your platforms.
After this session, participants should be able to…
Identify at least three common challenges in youth engagement and content creation that can be addressed by a youth-led video strategy.
Apply foundational “behind the camera” techniques, such as optimizing lighting, ensuring clear audio, and selecting appropriate record settings, for effective video capture using readily available equipment.
Formulate effective coaching strategies for youth and peer participants, enabling them to confidently share their message and personality both off and on camera.
Generate a minimum of five relevant and engaging content prompts or ideas for youth-led drug prevention videos suitable for social media platforms.
Develop a preliminary action plan outlining the steps to initiate a youth-led content creation project within their prevention program.
Our team of nationally recognized speakers delivers engaging, age-appropriate presentations grounded in evidence-based prevention strategies — with the energy students love.
