More than 20 Genesee County youth participated in the Discover Your Voice workshop focused on advocacy skills to inspire community-driven change.
In February, more than 20 young people from across Genesee County gathered to strengthen their voices and leadership skills through a youth advocacy training hosted in collaboration with the Flint Public Health Youth Academy. The Discover Your Voice workshop focused on equipping youth ages 14-18 with education surrounding vaping prevention, mental health awareness and community advocacy strategies.
The event was designed to empower local youth to become informed advocates capable of creating positive change in their schools and communities. Throughout the training, participants engaged in discussions about the growing impact of vaping adolescents and the importance of mental health support for young people navigating stress, peer pressure or social challenges.
Youth attendees received education from Youth Action Council members Jaeta Green and Malia Morgan on the health risks associated with nicotine use and vaping products, including how targeted marketing and social media influence youth behaviors.
Dr. Key and Alumni of the FPHYA led education sessions during the workshop providing hands-on advocacy training to help participants develop leadership and communication skills. Youth learned how to identify issues affecting their peers and organize their community with strategies like power mapping that can effectively address those issues.
The goal of the training is to promote and empower the vital role youth play in shaping healthier futures for Genesee County. The members of the Youth Action Council will be developing ongoing initiatives to engage with decision makers and peers for more opportunities to put the advocacy training into practice. Visit the GCPC calendar for upcoming engagements.