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Youth MOVE has opened up a myriad of opportunities for me. I testified before the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee at the Indiana State Capitol in support of a bill that established a State Suicide Prevention Coordinator and ensured that schools employ suicide-prevention policies.

Youth MOVE gave me a support network of people I can relate to on an intimate and personal level. They get me. They understand having a mental health condition and trying to maintain a healthy well-being.

I have been able to be myself, to be better than I was the day before. I have been able to become more of a leader and I’ve explored and traveled to different places and met new people.

Youth MOVE National believed in me way earlier than I believed in myself, and I now hold the knowledge of the greatness of young people until they are able to hold that themselves. I have had moments where I have considered stepping out of the peer support world, but what always keeps me here is the knowledge that not only what we do, but who we are, is foundational to this movement. And I believe in the peer support movement with every fiber of my being.

Youths MOVE National has been an unwavering pillar of support, actively listening to my personal experiences and community struggles. Their genuine acknowledgment of our challenges has made me feel truly heard, fostering a sense of validation that goes beyond empathy. Through their initiatives, I've witnessed a tangible commitment to understanding the unique hurdles we face in achieving improved well-being. The organization's inclusive approach not only recognizes my individual journey but also acknowledges the collective efforts needed to uplift the entire community. In essence, Youth MOVE National's consistent validation has been instrumental in empowering me and my community on our path to enhanced well-being.

Youth MOVE National has provided me with a platform to voice my ideas, perspectives, and concerns as a youth. It has not only emphasized the importance of my voice in shaping systems of care for youth, but encouraged me to speak up and elevate youth voice to the forefront, where it deserves to be.

Attending the Youth MOVE Young Adult Leadership Academy was a great experience. The facilitators were engaging and created an interactive environment that made learning fun and collaborative. I sharpened my leadership skills and was able to look at things through a lens I hadn’t thought of before. It helped me grow more confident in my ability to take on leadership roles and drive initiatives forward.