Youth MOVE
Change Initiative
Overview
Enhancing the peer workforce for BIPOC & LGBTQIA2S+ youth in mental health
The Youth MOVE Change Initiative (YMCI) is a program designed to enhance and expand the youth peer workforce with a specific intention to work in the field of mental health to address the unique needs of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ youth. In partnership with the Upswing Fund, this initiative is designed to mitigate systemic challenges in barriers to care, reduce stigma around mental health, and provide training and education to youth. With this project, Youth MOVE National (YMN) created a Youth Leadership Council, a Fellowship Program, and a training schedule to build the capacity of the youth peer workforce.
Check Out Our Intersectional Perspectives Portrait Project !
Intersectional Perspectives is an online gallery featuring youth and young adults with lived experience. Throughout the life of this project, YMCI participants affirmed the importance of learning from other leaders with lived experience!
Youth MOVE Change Initiative Projects
Coaching & Professional Development Series: YMCI coaching engages youth in a a virtual space through a series of videos, activities, information, and discussion topics will be posted. Each of these topics focus on an area of interest that we are excited to platform as a way to highlight topics that are important to the YMCI initiative (expanding workforce development for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth!). Check out the coaching modules and presentations to learn more!
Youth Fellowship Program: The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) met monthly from May to September to review and provide feedback on the YMCI project. YLC members participated in a focus group exploring challenges LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC youth face within mental health programs. These discussions have contributed to the development of resources to improve LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC experiences with mental health programs.
Peer Connect Training: YMCI coaching engages youth in a a virtual space through a series of videos, activities, information, and discussion topics will be posted. Each of these topics focus on an area of interest that we are excited to platform as a way to highlight topics that are important to the YMCI initiative (expanding workforce development for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth!). Check out the coaching modules and presentations to learn more!
Youth Leadership Council: The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) met monthly from May to September to review and provide feedback on the YMCI project. YLC members participated in a focus group exploring challenges LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC youth face within mental health programs. These discussions have contributed to the development of resources to improve LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC experiences with mental health programs.
