As the Advocacy & Youth Voice Coordinator on the YMCA of the USA's Government Relations and Policy Team, I have the incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people and shape the future of youth advocacy. My role revolves around empowering youth, amplifying their voices, and driving positive change.
Youth Voice is at the heart of my work. I coordinate and support the YMCA Youth Cabinets across the country, providing a platform for passionate young individuals to come together and discuss critical issues. I organize virtual meetings and programming, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Together, we develop youth policy agendas and presentations that enable them to advocate for the issues that matter most to them and their communities.
Fostering leadership is a key aspect of what I do. I have the privilege of facilitating and guiding the YMCA Youth Governors Association (YGA). Through this association, young leaders expand their impact even further. I provide support, guidance, and mentorship to the YGA Initiative, Task Forces, and Regions. It is incredibly rewarding to witness their growth as they develop the skills and tools necessary to create meaningful change.
Enabling youth advocacy is another vital part of my role. I contribute to the recruitment, training, and leadership of the YMCA Youth Advocate Program (YAP) and YMCA Changemakers Projects. The YAP empowers young individuals to become effective advocates for the causes they believe in, while the Changemakers Projects provide a platform for them to initiate impactful projects in their communities. It is a privilege to be part of their journey and witness their passion and dedication firsthand.
Effective communication and grassroots advocacy are integral to driving change. I create and moderate engaging content across our YMCA Youth and Government and Y-USA Government Relations social media channels. By leveraging these platforms, we reach a wide audience and inspire others to take action. Additionally, I utilize Y-USA's grassroots advocacy platform, Quorum, to organize and maintain our extensive database of contacts and interactions.
As an advocate, I engage in policy research and analysis to shape a better future. I dive into policy issues and legislation that impact the YMCA's three Areas of Impact: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Attending virtual hearings, briefings, and roundtables keeps me informed on the latest developments. I also track legislative activities related to federal earmarks requested by YMCAs nationwide and participate in meetings with Congressional offices and public officials, actively representing the YMCA's interests.
I am deeply passionate about youth development, public policy, and advocacy. Join me on this journey as we work together to empower youth, amplify their voices, and create a more inclusive and youth-driven future. Together, we can make a lasting impact and drive positive change.