The Credible Messengers Podcast

Teaser: Young People Lead - Standing on Policy

Credible Messenger Podcast now has a SISTER PODCAST! Following the success of ⁠The Credible Messenger Podcast⁠ [https://www.aypf.org/resource/aypf-podcast-on-credible-messengers/], American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), supported by a new strategic agreement to merge its resources into Children's Defense Fund, is about to drop a new six-part series on the value of the youth voice in policy making, hosted by six AYPF Youth Policy Consultants. This new podcast is called the “Young People Lead” podcast, the podcast that demonstrates that YOUNG PEOPLE CAN and SHOULD LEAD by telling stories from the front lines of where youth are transforming policies for the better, as well as examining research on the policies that most affect us.  If you loved Credible Messenger Podcast, if you care about the wellbeing of all young people, and/or you are excited about seeing young people leading the way to a brighter future, hop on over, give us a listen and a follow wherever you get your podcasts. We know you’re going to love this series!

Episode 6: Panel Discussion with our Credible Messenger Podcast Hosts

Join Kameryn Point, AYPF Policy & Programs Associate, for a panel discussion with our Credible Messenger Podcast hosts who share their insights about what’s needed to make credible messenger programs as effective as possible and what’s next for the credible messenger movement. They also collectively unpack their podcast experience, discuss their motivations for creating the series, and explore much more!

Episode 5: Credible Messengers in the Youth Legal System

In this episode, host Abdul Ali takes a deeper dive into understanding the role of credible messengers in confronting harms caused by the youth legal system. First, we hear from Erica King, Senior Policy Associate at the University of Southern Maine, about what research tells us regarding the problems with our current legal system and the negative impact it has on young people and public safety. Then, Ali speaks with Hernán Carvente-Martinez about how credible messengers are an essential component to creating healing for young people and communities. They also discuss their own journeys to find healing after involvement with the legal system.

Episode 4: Credible Messengers in K-12 Schools

Do Credible Messengers have a role to play in K-12 schools? Host Brittany LaMarr helps us take a look at the landscape in both alternative and traditional public schools, as well as looks at the research. We will speak with Leighton Johnson of Ice The Beef, who serves as a mentor at an alternative high school in New Haven, Connecticut; our own AYPF Youth Policy Consultant Kenvin Lacayo who is a Dean of Students in a middle school in Washington, D.C.; and then we will speak with researcher Dr. Bernadette Sanchez about her research into what she calls “natural mentors.” This is a great episode for teachers and school administrators. Tune in!

Episode 3: Credible Messengers in Colleges and Universities

Host Armonté Butler talks to his own credible messenger, Yasmine Arrington, and an associate professor at the University of Chicago, Dr. Micere Keels.  Yasmine is the founder and Executive Director of ScholarCHIPS, Inc, an organization that provides college scholarships, mentoring, mental health supports, and a peer support network to children of incarcerated parents, inspiring them to complete their college education. Armonté shares from his own experiences and discusses the impact Yasmine (and others) had in his life.  Dr. Keels helps unpack the research around credible messengers and near-peer mentors.  She and Armonté also explore how race, ethnicity, and poverty affect the supports and challenges young people experience.