What do you do when one-size-fits-all solutions don’t fit all? This interactive workshop, led by two NAMI Next Gen alumni, addresses how organizations often assume what youth need instead of asking, listening, and sharing space. Participants will gain insight into the mental health challenges impacting youth and young adults today, the policies youth are advocating for, and the unique challenges faced by youth and young adults in advocacy roles.

Using a “for us, by us” approach, participants will learn lessons from previous youth-led initiatives, explore effective youth engagement strategies, and articulate ways in which they can support cross-generational collaboration.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Illuminate key issues that affect youth and young adults’ mental health.
2. Build shared connections between organizations and youth advocates.
3. Amplify programs and initiatives that genuinely resonate with youth
4. Reimagine youth support systems to be more inclusive and culturally competent.
5. Gain practical tools to sustain meaningful relationships with youth and young adults.