Developing Regional Partnerships and Collaborations Katie Rushlo (Central RYP) Domonica Jeffres (Hudson River RYP) Desiree Moore (NYC RYP) NYS Success Fall Conference October 29, 2015

What is YOUTH POWER! ? YOUTH POWER! is the New York State network of young people who have been labeled and are seeking change. Together, we have decided to speak up about our experiences because no one knows what it is like for us better than we do. Through peer-to-peer mentoring, we empower young people to be active citizens who are aware of government operations, their rights and the ability to use their voices to influence policies, practices, regulations and laws. We are young people helping other people, ensuring availability of self-help and peer support while changing systems so that young people get the support they need with the respect and dignity they deserve.

 Young adults with personal experience in receiving services from multiple state systems  Ensure meaningful two-way communication between youth- serving agencies and the young people using their services  Are charged with networking youth involvement on a regional level  Assist local youth peer support and advisory councils to build, develop, and strengthen advocacy skills Regional Youth Partners (RYP) Visit YOUTHPOWERNY.org for contact information.

Our role in NYS Success  Part of the NYS Success Implementation team  Providing Technical Assistance to counties to help them incorporate Youth Guided Care  Providing training opportunities to adults and youth leaders  For 2016 we are providing regionally based trainings  Helping to build a network of youth leaders across the state  Prepare documents such as; Do’s and Don'ts of Youth Guided Care  Building youth involvement in various ways such as; Youth Advisory Councils, Peer Support Groups, etc.

Building and Maintaining Regional Partnerships and Collaborations  Being flexible with our schedules- offering assistance in the evenings and some cases even weekends  Finding those with similar missions to our to build a relationship and talk about similar projects  Valuing voices – taking recommendations and putting them into action (example- when members express an interest, listen and try to incorporate it into a plan of action)  Building a network- introducing young leaders to other young leaders regionally and state wide.  Holding Regionally based Youth Forums

 University of YOUTH POWER!  Legislative Luncheon  FTNYS Conference- Youth Track  Social media Campaigns- Spreading HOPE  Multiple Pathways to Diploma  Raise the Age  Focus Groups  PLSD- Peer Leader Support and Development (Regional)  Youth Peer Advocate Trainings Regional and State-Wide Initiatives/Projects

We are Young We are Strong We are YOUTH POWER! Join our Instagram campaign Central Region Katie Rushlo Hudson River Region Domonica Jeffress Western See Brianna Valesey NYC Region Desiree Moore Youth Engagement Consultant Brianna Valesey