This session features current National NAMI Next Gen (NNG) Advisors sharing honest reflections on their personal experiences with mental health and seeking support. Through lived experience and peer leadership, this interactive session will explore how youth and young adults are shaping mental health efforts in their communities—and what it takes for organizations to truly support and elevate youth leadership.

The session will include two panel conversations. The first will focus on young people’s experiences navigating mental health challenges and the barriers they face when trying to get help. The second will focus on what youth wish professionals and organizations understood—and how systems can better support young people in real, practical ways.
NNG Advisors will share real-world examples from their own journeys and the work they are leading across the country. Participants will hear directly from young leaders about what meaningful youth engagement looks like and where gaps still exist.
Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to work alongside youth and young adults, why shared decision-making matters, and how to create spaces where young people are not just included—but truly heard and able to lead. This session is designed for anyone interested in strengthening youth engagement and building more supportive, youth-centered programs.

Learning Objectives

• Understand what authentic youth engagement looks like in practice
• Recognize the importance of youth voice in mental health programs and decision-making
• Identify common barriers youth face when seeking help or getting involved
• Learn practical ways to support and partner with youth in their communities
• Walk away with ideas to strengthen youth leadership at the local and state level