Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth Through Empathy, Storytelling, and Upstream Mental Health Support with It Gets Better

Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth Through Empathy, Storytelling, and Upstream Mental Health Support with It Gets Better

How do we create safe spaces and supportive communities that help LGBTQ+ youth thrive without being defined by a single part of who they are? In this episode, we explore how empathy, storytelling, and youth voice can help LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, supported, and connected. We also discuss why active listening and youth involvement are critical to creating programs that resonate with young people and keep them engaged. Listen as we learn how a youth-informed mental health platform is helping LGBTQ+ youth build resilience, agency, and self-awareness — giving them tools to navigate challenges before they become crises. Visit ItGetsBetter.org [http://itgetsbetter.org/] to learn more. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Turning Prevention Into Action Through Education, Policy and Partnerships with Kelly McKenna of End Chronic Disease

How do we create lasting health behavior change — not by telling people what to do, but by empowering them with the Information to make their own decisions? In this episode, we explore how education, strategic partnerships, and policy change can work together to improve health outcomes and prevent chronic disease before it starts. From school nutrition and recess policies to preventive health education, this work is helping young people build healthier habits while empowering communities to make informed choices. Listen as we learn how to build bipartisan support for effective policy change and localizing health education is developing prevention-focused changemakers to create meaningful change. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Creating Effective Youth Substance Use Intervention Through Education, Partnerships, and Empathy

What happens when we stop using punishment as a response to youth substance use in schools and replace it with education and empathy instead? In this episode, we explore a different approach to youth substance use intervention, one built on trust, relationships, education, and community support instead of suspension or criminal charges. Listen as we learn how partnerships with educators, counselors, recovery communities, and law enforcement are creating a wraparound model that helps reduce stigma, create safe spaces for young people to be heard, and provide support they need to make healthier choices. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Building Partnerships that Reduce Stigma and Improve Access for Youth with Paul Jacobson of VEAP

What if the best way to reduce stigma and expand access to resources for young people was through partnerships? In this episode, we explore how working behind the scenes with schools and community partners is helping more young people get the support they need, without added pressure or attention. By listening, building trust, and adapting to each students’ needs, this approach moves away from one-size-fits-all and provides young people with resources they truly need. Take a listen to learn how these relationships are making it easier for young people trust us and ask for help. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders: Youth–Adult Partnerships That Work with 1Brotherhood Empowered

What can adults learn if we spend more time listening to young people and empowering them to lead their peers? In this episode, we’re joined by the hosts of 1Brotherhood Empowered Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTVyxj7-cyg&list=PL2H8XgqsZQIoeg3Cc-xF8r8bgRwkHw7bC] to hear how youth and adults are working together to build the next generation of leaders. Each represents a different chapter of their leadership journey; from founding the organization as a teen, to stepping into mentorship, to preparing to lead the next wave of youth. We learn that when adults trust young people’s ideas and guide rather than control, young people begin to see the value we bring in helping them grow as leaders. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.