Youth Voices
Adults can’t do it alone. Youth also play an important role in strengthening programs and improving youth outcomes. We created Youth Engaged 4 Change for teens and young adults who make change happen every day. Visit the site and share it with young change makers you know.
Below, young people share their experiences and perspectives on what makes a difference for youth engaged in change. Learn from their stories. While you are at it, take a minute to nominate young change makers in your community!
Find opportunities and resources for youth!
Tags “My weekly sessions with [my counselor] straightened my life out the most. It helped me gain control of my life [and] put me in a better position for the future.”
Tags "It helps [to have] someone to talk to when I’m angry, when I’m mad, when I’m depressed and helps me with my family and my health."
Tags “People always think that there’s never going to be help … talk to the school mental health counselor… to make you feel better …calm yourself down.”
Tags "My goal is to...be the best role model that I can be for the tribe to show them that staying involved with the community is important for youth because it can have a major impact on their future and health."
Tags "The word “disability” is not in the athletes' minds at all. We don’t see it as a disability. For myself, I see it as a unique ability."
Tags "I’ve learned to feel comfortable with who I am, and to speak up not only for myself, but for others."
"I wanted to participate in a different kind of journey where I could experience and get a better understanding of strengths and hardships of communities first hand."
"I was inspired to pursue advocacy work because there are so many youth who just need the tools to succeed."
"I was inspired to create MY LIFE...because there was really a lack of places that youth could share their voice, and make a positive difference in their lives and in the community."
“Being part of this youth board turned my anger for the foster care system into passion. I had a story but my peers did, too. It became less about me and more about a group of youth who many people forget about.”
