We are excited to be highlighting the winners from this year’s RAVE (Rockstar Awards Virtual Edition).
A reminder to everyone that there is still time to sponsor advocacy perks for Rockstars for our Rockstar Fundraiser!
Youth MOVE Minnesota is the recipient of the Chapter of the Year Award
This award is given to an individual who distinguishes themselves in the following ways:
- Outstanding and continued performance as a nationally recognized chapter of Youth MOVE National in good standing for at least one (1) year.
- Recognized and respected within statewide and/or local community as youth-led group that upholds the mission and vision of Youth MOVE National
- Outstanding and continued commitment to authentic representation of youth voice in a manner consistent and relative to youth culture and issues These standards may be met in a variety of ways, including activity which involves moral courage, social media, creative arts, youth support groups, etc.
- Outstanding participation in innovative thinking that contributes to the field of youth engagement with an aim to increase awareness and best practices of mental health, juvenile justice, education or child welfare issues.
Now, let’s learn a little bit more about the Rockstars at Youth MOVE Minnesota!
As co-coordinators of Youth MOVE Minnesota, Matt Organisak Jenson (they/them) and Mariah Larkin (they/them) have had somewhat of an uphill battle. After launching their programming at the end of February 2020, all the plans they had developed needed to pivot very quickly in order to continue in the face of the global pandemic. With artists backgrounds in theatre and dance, the new programming focus quickly emerged: an online magazine featuring the artwork of Minnesota youth artists; Youth Voices of Experience. Alongside their Youth Advisory Council, Jenson and Larkin developed a process by which youth artists would have the opportunity to work alongside a professional artist mentor, deepen their artistic process, and receive commissions for the pieces they developed. With the magazine well underway, the Youth Advisory Council shifted their focus to develop additional content for youth, as well as expand their own understanding around how our mental health care systems work today, and the many ways they can make a difference. With a series of guest speakers, as well as an upcoming video series, Youth MOVE Minnesota is setting its sights on the continued development and support of youth mental health advocates through a wide variety of content and program opportunities.
Mariah Larkin (they/them) 
Matt Organisak Jenson (they/them) 
Members of Youth MOVE Minnesota filming their upcoming video series
Check them out on their website and social media!
Thank you Youth MOVE Minnesota for being a Rockstar!
Check Out other Rockstar Features on the 2021 Rockstar Page!
