OUR TIME
On Our Own Path
Independent
True to Ourselves
100% Drug Free
TO SHINE

Be Under Your Own Influence (BUYOI) is a communications campaign designed to prevent substance use in middle-school students. This online version has been specifically designed for American Indian youth.

What is Be Under Your Own Influence about?

silhouette of young woman standing strongeagle flying transparent

BUYOI begins with the premise that one of the main tasks of adolescence is achieving greater independence and personal autonomy.  Some adolescents see using drugs and alcohol as a way to be rebellious and independent.  The BUYOI campaign turns this around to reframe substance use as an action that is inconsistent with both personal autonomy and being able to achieve one’s goals and aspirations.  Its goal is to empower youth to make their own good decisions when it comes to using drugs and alcohol.

High School Role Models

black and white big kid helping smaller kid up mountain

High school students, serving as role models to the younger youth, are at the heart of this intervention. They deliver campaign messages through various activities that emphasize their own non-use as an expression of their personal identity and as vital to achieving their aspirations.  These local high school students literally become the faces of the campaign.

What Does BUYOI Do?

silhouette of young people jumping