The Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network was built on the idea that creating a network of solid relationships between prevention programs would strengthen youth-led programming in Ohio. A core piece to developing these connections was to bring together young people from groups across the state to serve as the Youth Council. This Youth Council would not only build their own strong ties as a group but help facilitate the building of connections between other young people across the state. The “We Are The Majority” Rally was one of the first ideas the Youth Council had to bring people together and create connections. 
  
The inaugural Youth Council was made up of nine high school students that were engaged with their local youth-led prevention groups. One of these inaugural members was Marisa Smock. Marisa served on Youth Council in its first three years in existence as a representative of Youth to Youth’s Youth Advisory Board and played an integral part in planning the WATM Rally each year. But more important than any of the planning she was able to do was her ability to connect. Marisa was outgoing, energetic, and had an infectious smile and big laugh that made it extremely easy for anyone to bond with her. She always made it her personal responsibility to make everyone feel like they belonged. These characteristics made her a leader in youth-led prevention.