Host Organization: NAMI Virginia
Chapter Type: Statewide Chapter w/ Subs

Youth MOVE Virginia is a contractual agreement between the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and NAMI Virginia for youth and young adults launched in 2014. Youth MOVE (Motivating Others through Voices of Experience) is Virginia’s Statewide Youth Network and voice for young people (ages 13-29) with systems experience and provides a platform for young people to share their stories and inspire others. In addition to the mental health system, Youth MOVE VA is open to youth and young adults who have experience in the child welfare, education, juvenile justice systems, foster care, and/or substance use and recovery services.

Our mission is to support a grassroots peer network for youth and young adults to be empowered, active guides in their own care while advocating for mental health policy and programs that are specific to their unique needs and experiences. We envision a culture that emphasizes community engagement, resiliency, and unconditional support for youth and young adults throughout the state. Learn more about resources and activities that parents, youth, and communities can take advantage of throughout Virginia. We do this through a variety of programs such as supporting our NAMI on Campus groups in Virginia, Leadership Trainings (Resiliency Training and Advanced Youth Leadership Training), support groups, other networking opportunities, and more!

Youth MOVE Virginia is governed by a Youth Advisory Board, comprised of 15 youth and young adults from around the state who have lived experience or a connection to mental health. These individuals were recruited because of their experience with various systems and insight based on personal and/or family experience. Board members meet quarterly, work together to put together events for young people, and are routinely included in discussions about mental health policy and practice to stay informed on current activity across the state.