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The Courage to Speak® Presentation

Live Courage to Speak® substance use prevention presentation

When you book a Courage to Speak® Presentation, you are not choosing from multiple unrelated programs. You are engaging one powerful substance use prevention presentation that is thoughtfully adapted for different audiences, ages, and settings.

Each presentation is delivered live by Ginger Katz and grounded in A Mother’s Story, with prevention messaging tailored for students, parents, professionals, or community groups while maintaining a consistent core message of early communication, awareness, and connection.

Presentations are available in person or virtually.

Spanish-language presentation options are available. Please indicate your needs when submitting a presentation request.

Request a Presentation Call 203-831-9700

The Courage to Speak® Presentation Experience

Ginger Katz delivering a live Courage to Speak® substance use prevention presentation

Every Courage to Speak® Presentation is delivered live by Ginger Katz, Founder and CEO of The Courage to Speak® Foundation. Drawing from her personal experience as a mother who lost her son Ian, Ginger connects with audiences in a direct, authentic way that data alone cannot.

While the story remains at the heart of every presentation, Ginger adapts her message to the audience in the room, meeting students, parents, and professionals where they are and addressing the realities they face.

  • A powerful, real-life story that captures attention and opens conversation.
  • Prevention messages grounded in honesty, not fear or judgment.
  • Clear encouragement to speak up, reach out, and break the silence.
  • A presentation that resonates long after it ends.
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Student Presentations (Youth)

Ginger Katz presenting to students during a Courage to Speak® youth presentation

For students, the Courage to Speak® Presentation is delivered in an age-appropriate format that speaks honestly about substance use while emphasizing personal responsibility, healthy decision-making, and the importance of trusted adults.

  • Tools to refuse substances and make healthier choices.
  • Guidance on identifying trusted adults students can turn to.
  • Understanding the dangers of fentanyl and laced substances.
  • Encouragement to look out for peers and speak up when something feels wrong.

Presentations are tailored for middle school and high school audiences.

Courageous Students 101 – Presentation Inserts

Middle School Insert (PDF) High School Insert (PDF) College Insert (PDF)

Parent & Community Presentations

Ginger Katz delivering a live Courage to Speak® presentation for parents and community members

For parents, caregivers, and community members, the Courage to Speak® Presentation focuses on what adults can do to protect children and teens. Ginger shares A Mother’s Story from a parent’s perspective and connects it to practical steps families and communities can take right now.

These presentations can be offered as a stand-alone Courage to Speak® Presentation or paired with Courageous Parenting 101® in a single evening, with Part 1 sharing the story and Part 2 focusing on prevention tools and strategies for families.

  • Increased understanding of what children are facing in their daily lives.
  • Recognizing early warning signs of substance use.
  • Learning communication strategies that keep conversations open.
  • Helping children develop drug refusal skills.
  • Supporting children in coping with stress and emotions in healthy ways.
  • Understanding the dangers of fentanyl and laced substances.

These presentations are intended for adult audiences.

Request a Parent / Community Presentation View Program Insert (PDF)

Professional Audiences

Ginger Katz speaking to professional and community audiences during a Courage to Speak® presentation

The Courage to Speak® Presentation is also delivered for professional and community audiences seeking a deeper understanding of substance use prevention and the role adults play in early intervention and support.

Ginger speaks to educators, prevention professionals, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and civic groups, connecting A Mother’s Story to the realities professionals encounter in their work and communities.

  • Increased awareness of warning signs and risk factors.
  • Insight into how silence, denial, and stigma impact outcomes.
  • Practical prevention perspectives that support professional roles.
  • A shared message that strengthens community-wide prevention efforts.
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What Audiences Are Saying

“After hearing Ian’s story, I see how drugs affect more than just the person using them. I left with a new attitude toward drugs and alcohol.”
“Listening to Ginger gave me the courage to make hard decisions to help my child. Parents cannot afford not to hear this message.”
Request a Courage to Speak® Presentation

Or call 203-831-9700 for more information.