Youth In Action — Share, Lead, Change
YWCA Youth In Action (YIA) program is part of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council (TAC), a national network of girl-led advocacy and education. YIA supports high school students to identify and engage on issues important to them in their communities.
The YIA group at South High School (students who identify with girlhood — freshman to senior) meets every other week to share their views and experiences, learn about social injustice and discover how their values and identity can be transformed through advocacy and activism. By the end of the year-long program, the YIA cohort will implement an advocacy project that improves their community in a tangible way. YWCA has structured the TAC experience around community building, shared expectations, and learning through activities, field trips, and guest speakers.
Bathroom and Menstrual Product Access at School
In preparation for Youth Day at the Capitol, students identified their advocacy topic: to improve South’s bathroom and menstrual product accessibility. The girls wrote letters to their legislators, attended civics 101 training and screen-printed their own shirts.
Youth Day at the Capitol on February 27
YIA students explored the Minnesota History Center and then attended advocacy training led by the Minnesota Youth Council. Students learned about the many ways the Council works to amplify teen voices, enhance public awareness of crucial youth issues, and champion the adoption and execution of laws and regulations that benefit them. This was an excellent opportunity to meet, connect and march to the Capitol with other students from around the state.
Our YIA students got to meet with their senator, Zaynab Mohamed. They were able to express their concerns over their advocacy topic and put their public speaking, advocacy and leadership skills into action. Senator Zaynab Mohamed was responsive and followed up with South High School staff to set up an additional meeting. We ended the day by attending the Minnesota Youth Council bill hearings on climate justice instruction, active shooter drill standards, and mental health and wellness.
South students left the capitol energized and excited! The students spoke and met with their principal, attended South’s youth team meeting and made a survey for South students to rate their bathroom experience. This experience ignited motivation and energy to continue their advocacy project and make positive changes at their school!
We want to thank Girls Inc. for its grant to sustain the Youth in Action program at YWCA Minneapolis. We hope to see you next year at Youth Day at the Capitol on February 25, 2025!