Michigan Youth Coalition Network

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Members meet monthly to network, discuss emerging trends in the SUD field, and provide input on MYCN activities. Join us at our next virtual meeting, everyone is welcome!

Check out our calendar for upcoming meeting times and zoom links.

Youth Advisory Council – YAC

The “YAC” or Youth Advisory Council is a state-wide youth council consisting of 10th-12th graders who are interested in substance misuse prevention or coalition work. The YAC is an opportunity for youth to discuss hopes and concerns, build leadership skills, and organize a leadership opportunity.

Our 2023-2024 Youth Advisory Council had the opportunity to help lead our Annual Youth Coalition Development Leadership Retreat, attend the CADCA National Leadership Forum, complete a photovoice project in their community, and are continuing to complete other projects!

Apply to Be a Member YAC Guidelines and Expectations YAC Flyer YAC Photovoice Example YAC Permission Slip

Important Links and Resources

Below you will find various templates and forms for guiding a Youth Advisory Council – YAC.

Creating and Sustaining a Thriving Youth Advisory Council

National Council Message Guide Getting Candid This resource provides information on communicating with youth.

Rural Youth Engagement Toolkit This resource provides information on how to engage rural youth, to address substance misuse issues in their communities and achieve positive community change through comprehensive strategies with a focus on policy and advocacy.

Youth Summit Guide This resource provides information on how to develop and hold an effective Youth Summit.

Youth Voice in Coalitions This document is a resource for coalitions and cross-sector collaboratives working towards population level outcomes related to youth, defined as young people 14-25 years old. It provides a self-assessment to help coalitions better understand where their current practices stand on the spectrum and helps measure a group’s readiness to engage young people as equal partners in the work.

Peer 2 Peer Manual This Resources provides information and guidelines to beginning a Peer to Peer Mental Health campaign in schools.

Restorative Prevention This resource provides information on restorative practices in prevention.

Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders This resource provides Risk and Protective factors for SUD and mental health disorders for adults and youth. Best used for quick information regarding SUD.

Youth Engagement This resource provides information and steps to initiating and sustaining Youth Engagement.

Game Changers Establishing a YAC This Resource is best used for those interested in beginning a Youth Advisory Council. It discussed the benefits of a YAC, how to build a YAC, the fundamental structures of a YAC, and Development and Sustainability of a YAC.

MYCN Youth Coalition Assessment 2022

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