The Hackensack Municipal Alliance has proudly sponsored 65 students and 3 advisors to attend the NJ Elks Peer Leadership Conference using funds provided through the Opioid Settlement initiative and the Municipal Alliance. In addition, Hackensack Elks Lodge #658 sponsored 5 more students, further expanding local participation in this impactful leadership experience.

The NJ Elks Peer Leadership Conference is one of the largest youth leadership conferences in New Jersey, bringing together hundreds of high school students for a dynamic weekend centered on leadership development, education, substance use prevention, and positive decision-making. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and motivational sessions, students gain practical tools to serve as leaders within their schools and communities.  Students also participated in a planning session to brainstorm ideas of how they can bring what they learned back to their communities.

By sponsoring 68 attendees through the Municipal Alliance and an additional 5 students through Hackensack Elks Lodge #658, the Hackensack community has demonstrated a strong commitment to proactive prevention and youth empowerment. The conference equips students with strategies to address issues such as substance misuse, peer pressure, mental wellness, and community responsibility, all critical components in combating the opioid crisis and fostering healthy choices.

“The Hackensack Municipal Alliance is dedicated to prevention through education and leadership,” said Allison Saabye, Deputy City Clerk and Alliance Chair. “Providing our students with opportunities like the NJ Elks Peer Leadership Conference empowers them to become role models and advocates for positive change. This is an investment in the future of our community.”

The Opioid Settlement Funds are specifically designated to support prevention, education, and recovery initiatives. By allocating these resources toward youth leadership development, Hackensack is taking meaningful steps to address substance misuse before it begins.

The additional sponsorship from Hackensack Elks Lodge #658 highlights the power of local partnerships in supporting youth-focused initiatives. Together, the Municipal Alliance and the Elks Lodge have ensured that more students have access to this transformative experience.