2023 Teen Mental Health Advocacy Series
The application period for the February-March 2023 Series is now open. ​
Make your voice heard and join a movement for change!
Apply for the 2023 Teen Mental Health Advocacy Series.
The 2023 Teen Mental Health Advocacy Series is a weekly series for high school students hosted by the PA Youth Advocacy Network.
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With teens in the lead, the PA Youth Advocacy Network created an advocacy agenda of priorities for teen mental health across Pennsylvania.
Our goal is to connect youth across Pennsylvania with opportunities to advance these priorities and promote teen mental health.
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Teens participating in the series will learn key advocacy skills like:
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Community organizing
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Using data and community-based participatory research in advocacy
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Building energy and action around a cause
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Connecting with elected officials
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Teams of participants will develop advocacy projects based on the PA Youth Advocacy agenda, like:
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Promote mental health awareness and plan for Teen Mental Health Awareness Day events to be held in May 2023
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Advocate for school counselor resources by meeting with policymakers
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Help inform mental health curriculum plans in schools
Sessions will be held weekly starting February 1, 2023 through March 29, 2023, on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Zoom.
The series is open to high school students living in Pennsylvania. No previous advocacy or teen mental health experience is required.
Each participant will receive a $150 stipend upon completion of the series.
About the PA Youth Advocacy Network
Since 2018, the PA Youth Advocacy Network has provided skills-building and advocacy opportunities for teens who have an interest in mental health. Youth advocates, connected as a powerful network for change across Pennsylvania, are committed to:
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Educating teachers and students in mental health
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Reducing disparities in mental health
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Promoting suicide prevention and awareness
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Creating safe and inclusive school environments
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Addressing mental health as part of health
The PA Youth Advocacy Network brings together a diverse group of youth advocates and organizations across Pennsylvania and is managed by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation.