Since launching the Younger Leaders Council in 2017, Psychological Well being America (MHA) has labored with younger leaders reworking their communities and demanding change throughout the nation. Now, we’re increasing our initiatives to advance youth management in nationwide psychological well being coverage by way of MHA’s Youth Coverage Accelerator. Our inaugural cohort will concentrate on driving nationwide conversations round youth peer help and peer providers.

Who’s it for?

This program is for younger individuals ages 18-25 with various identities and experiences, who’re enthusiastic about peer help and are inquisitive about increasing their community and expertise in psychological well being coverage. To type our first cohort, we’ll determine 10 leaders who’ve demonstrated management on the native, state, or nationwide ranges.

What’s it?

On this eight-week paid digital coaching, members will study from and construct relationships with leaders within the subject, develop their private strengths in coverage advocacy, co-create surveys and authentic analysis, and develop suggestions and a marketing campaign to advance youth and younger grownup peer help.

Members ought to anticipate dedicating two-four hours to this system per week all through the length of the periods.

When and the place is it occurring?

The 90-minute periods will likely be held by way of Zoom weekly on Saturdays from 1-2:30 p.m. ET/10-11:30 a.m. PT from Oct. 7 to Dec. 2, 2023.

Why ought to I be a part of?

It’s best to apply if you wish to guarantee all younger individuals have entry to see help whereas rising your community and studying coverage advocacy expertise.

As a YPA member, you’ll: 

• Share your perspective to co-create a youth-driven agenda for peer help, 
• Develop your skilled community, 
• Join with and study from nationwide leaders, together with different younger individuals, 
• Acquire priceless expertise engaged on psychological well being coverage, analysis, and communications, 
• Obtain a $1,000 stipend, 
• Create a national-level marketing campaign to share the cohort’s suggestions, and 
• Be a part of MHA’s Increasing Affect Community of greater than 100 excellent graduates of MHA’s youth leaders packages for ongoing coaching and help.

How do I apply?

Study extra and apply at mhanational.org/ypc. Functions are due Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

For questions or help finishing the applying, contact Jackie Menjivar, MHA’s supervisor of peer and youth Advocacy, at jmenjivar@mhanational.org.