Youth Health and Empowerment Summit 2015 Data Summary

Registration Statistics Number Pre-Registered: 212 Number attended: 162 Youth Attendees: 96 Adult Attendees: 66 Grantees: 93 Non-grantees: 69 Which do you think is the greatest health-related issue that impacts youth today in your community? Selected during Pre-Registration* 16.2% 28.4% 13.5% 13.5% 18.9% 10.8% 20.3% 59.5% 20.3% 8.1% *Note: Most pre-registrations were completed by adult staff for youth.

Pre-Survey Open-Ended Questions Notes: 152 respondents in the pre-survey 114 respondents in the post-survey 1 missing respondent from Questions 1-5 in the post-survey (in the ‘18 and under’ category). 48 respondents with age unknown in the pre-survey 14 respondents with age unknown in the post survey. Age unknown responses are included in the group summaries, but not in the age breakdowns. There was a positive change on every question when comparing pre-test and post-test results.

Q1: I am aware of the community health issues that affect youth in Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Waltham, Watertown, and Belmont 92% agreed after the conference, 24% more than pre-survey. Biggest change for 19-24 year olds (29%) The pre-survey average was 3.7 and post survey average was 4.27

Q2: I understand different ways to prevent and address community health issues that affect youth 85% agreed after the conference, 21% more than pre-survey. Biggest change for 25+ year olds (29%) The pre-survey average was 3.68 and post survey average was 4.11

Q3: I know many different local youth and adults who are dedicated to addressing and preventing community health issues that affect youth 84% agreed after the conference, 20% more than pre-survey. Biggest change for 25+ year olds (22%) The pre-survey average was 3.68 and post survey average was 4.11

Q4: I am aware of many different local resources and organizations that support youth who face health issues and prevent the issues from happening in the first place 83% agreed after the conference, 20% more than pre-survey. Biggest change for 19-24 year olds (36%) The pre-survey average was 3.69 and post survey average was 4.14

Q5: I have the knowledge, confidence, and resources to manage my stress 88% agreed after the conference, 21% more than pre-survey. Biggest change for 25+ year olds (26%) The pre-survey average was 3.89 and post survey average was 4.21

Post-Survey Open-Ended Questions Notes: Out of the 114 respondents on the post-survey 89 respondents answered the first open-ended question, 79 respondents answered the second question, 95 respondents answered the third question, and 72 respondents answered the last question.

Q1: Please write at least one point from today's Youth, Health and Empowerment Summit that stands out for you as important. “It gives people the chance to spread their ideas” (age 13) “It is important to have a safe environment” (age 15) “There are many problems that our youth face but there are also solutions” (age 16) “Having a place to discuss these issues is very reassuring” (age 17) “People can empower each other through organizing, esp. young people” (age 22) “It's time for us as youth to take a stand and bring the conversation from our perspective” (age 23) “There are a lot of motivated, invested youth whose voices we should listen to more often!” (age 36)

Q2: How can we improve the Summit? “We can improve it by helping others” (age 15) “Make sure that the songs and the other aspects pertain to the themes of discussion” (age 16) “Give time to move between different conversation tables instead of just one” (age 17) “Capitalize on energy at start of evening (too much sitting).” (age 36) “Have more of them. Teens need a revenue to talk about issues they face” (age 22)

Q3: What did you like best about the Summit? “The positive attitude and the emotional awareness of the participants” (age 16) “Small group conversations and share-backs” (age 24) “I enjoyed hearing young people speak about local issues and ways to face them, especially during the share-back at the end” (age 27) “Loved the time to see other programs- more time for that” (age 31) “Opportunity to meet some amazing youth” (age 46) “I liked that I had a voice.” (age 14)

Q4: What next steps can the CHNA take to continue to support youth, adults, and organizations dedicated to addressing youth health and leadership? “Keep having events like this, make it more known” (age 15) “Encourage everyone to share their stories and their ideas” (age 16) “Involve local people and parents so that they know the health issues youth are going through in the community” (age 16) “Keep having youth events, keep pushing youth to strive for success” (age 16) “Use what was said in the summit to better our way to spread the knowledge of problems we face” (age 20) “Use social media as source for youth to discuss their problems in a welcoming environment” (age 23) “Create events/opportunities to share resources with youth, adults, and organizations.” (age 46).

Solutions Conversations

Mental Health/Depression Unique solutions: Create safe spaces Schools Youth groups, centers Living Spaces Music and art (comedy, theater, drawing, etc.) Forums to talk with others Talking with new people in structured ways (i.e. this event) Community-wide dialogues Social/Mental/Emotional health and wellness support On a college, high school, and even earlier level Transitional Support Helping de-stress in transitions of life Mental Health Social Norms Think substance abuse social norms Raise awareness that many people go through the same thing Make it easier to share Acknowledge what our friends/family are going through

Dating/Relationship Violence Unique solutions: Urge schools to discuss dating violence Teach children early Being a support system/spending time with them Hotlines/non-profit services REACH Beyond Domestic Violence Talk about how abuse can happen in any kind of relationship Reaching out to men and boys

Alcohol/Drug Abuse Unique solutions: Destigmatize support; eliminate negative connotations Utilize media; recognize how to use it effectively Education: people should know available resources Resource guide/advertisements/self  publication through media

Youth Homelessness Unique solutions: Every table needs own community We can be our own resources, we just need to find a way to connect More programs and resources Youth ambassadors surveyed teens with housing security issues Broaden definition of homelessness More spaces to talk about all of these problems

Access & Gaps in Youth Activities & Resources Unique solutions: Accessibility More frequent meetings with school counselors before problems to form relationships CRLS has a teen health center for kids to get help, birth control, etc. Somerville has Teen Connection Confidentiality is KEY Need safe center at schools to share these resources

Sexual/Reproductive Health Issues Unique solutions: Offer condoms and birth control Teaching sex ed earlier (9th grade?) Benefits of birth control (Eliminate the stigma) Respect is important, consent, self-esteem Make sure counselors are there for the youth Destigmatize- make these discussions normal Different cultures and their different opinions

Money/Jobs Unique solutions: Create more entrepreneur jobs Connections More advertisements Narrowing wealth gaps Pay youth more Pay interns More internship opportunities Workshops Support from people in the field Things youth are interested in Less discrimination because of age More programming gear Money skills Funding for college