Empower. Engage. Encourage. — TAC in Knox County
What is the Teen Advisory Council (TAC)?
The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a youth-led leadership team made up of Knox County students in grades 9–12 who are committed to making their schools and communities safer, healthier, and more supportive for everyone. TAC members focus on preventing teen dating violence, substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and drugs), and other unhealthy behaviors before they begin.
TAC students serve as ambassadors of healthy, safe, and respectful relationships. They promote positive choices, kindness, inclusion, and healthy coping skills among their peers. Members from all Knox County high schools work together to plan and lead prevention projects that create real change—both for individuals and the broader community.
TAC is a prevention initiative of DELTA AHEAD at New Directions.
As members, students receive leadership training, learn about critical issues facing teens today, and build strong connections within the Knox County community. TAC empowers youth to use their voices, strengthen their leadership skills, and help create a culture of support and respect.
How often does TAC meet?
TAC members meet once a month at their home schools to learn about healthy relationships, teen dating and sexual violence prevention, healthy coping skills, and substance use prevention. These meetings are also used to plan school-based activities and awareness campaigns.
In addition, TAC holds a county-wide meeting on the first Sunday of each month, bringing students from all Knox County high schools together to collaborate, share ideas, and build leadership skills. These meetings are used to plan community-based activities and awareness campaigns.
What do TAC members do?
TAC members choose and design their own projects each year—making TAC a true youth-led team. Members help plan, promote, and lead events, campaigns, and community activities that encourage healthy choices, respectful relationships, and positive change.
Some popular TAC-led events include:
Color for a Cause 5K Color Run
EmpowerUS
School-based awareness campaigns
Community outreach and prevention presentations
How can TAC benefit you?
1. Promote Healthy Lifestyles
By talking with peers about preventing violence and substance misuse, TAC members help build safer schools and a healthier community culture.
2. Connect with the Community
TAC opens doors to meet local leaders, agencies, and organizations—building strong connections and learning about programs that support youth and families in Knox County.
3. Develop Leadership Skills
Members gain hands-on experience in event planning, public speaking, teamwork, advocacy, and prevention education topics ating violence, sexual assault, bystander intervention, and substance misuse.
4. Build Your Future
TAC is a powerful way to show leadership, community involvement, and passion for making a difference — great for college, job applications, scholarships, and future opportunities.
5. Use Your Voice to Shape Real Change
As a TAC member, your voice helps guide New Directions’ school-based prevention efforts. You share what matters most to students and help design activities that reflect real teen experiences—making prevention meaningful and relevant.
6. Use Data to Drive Real Change
TAC members collect and analyze data—such as through peer environmental scans—to understand what’s happening in schools, measure impact, and guide future prevention projects.
7. Lead a Youth-Driven Strategic Plan
Members help shape the direction of prevention work in Knox County by contributing to a youth-driven strategic plan. Your ideas help set goals, identify needs, and guide future prevention strategies.
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Youth-led programs, like TAC, put young people at the center of change. Instead of just participating, students lead—they explore what’s happening in their schools and communities, gather information, and create solutions that matter to youth.
Youth-led programs:
Amplify youth voice and action
Equip youth with skills in leadership, advocacy, teamwork, and project planning
Include youth in real decision-making about programs, initiatives, and policies
Create space for youth to influence their schools, peers, and communities
This approach is inclusive and empowering. Youth-led programs are for all young people—regardless of background, race, identity, or experience. Every student has something important to contribute, and youth-led spaces help make sure all voices are seen, heard, and valued.
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Adults are not in charge—they are partners, supporters, and guides.
Adult allies help youth by:
Creating safe, respectful spaces where teens feel comfortable sharing ideas
Supporting youth decisions instead of speaking for them
Recognizing that young people are experts in issues that affect them
Providing mentorship, encouragement, and access to resources
Sharing power and helping youth take ownership of their projects
Adult allies listen, ask questions, and challenge adultism (the belief that adults always know best). They help youth lead—not by taking control—but by removing barriers and lifting youth voices.
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A youth-led program works best when students feel safe to:
Share ideas and experiences
Try new things—even make mistakes
Ask questions and take risks
Build relationships rooted in trust and respect
A safe space is more than a physical room—it's a culture where everyone is welcomed, included, and valued, without judgment or discrimination.
