Youth Advocacy Council (YAC)
Empowering Transition-Age Youth with Epilepsy
The Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) at Epilepsy Alliance Florida (EAFLA) is dedicated to promoting healthcare transition, self-advocacy, and self-management among transition-age youth, ages 14-22. Our mission is to empower young people with epilepsy to become leaders and advocates within their communities.
Purpose and Outcomes
The YAC’s primary purpose is to provide its members with a platform to voice their experiences and challenges within Epilepsy Florida, local schools, and communities. By participating in the YAC, members gain valuable leadership skills and contribute to the organization’s efforts to better serve the epilepsy population. The desired outcomes of the YAC include:
- Increasing awareness of the challenges faced by youth and young adults with epilepsy.
- Encouraging leadership and self-advocacy skills to help overcome these barriers.
- Empowering youth to become advocates for change within their communities.
Membership
The YAC comprises a diverse group of at least 10 members, ages 14-22, who have epilepsy. We strive to recruit new members annually to ensure a rich diversity in age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, and personal experiences. Each YAC member will receive an Epilepsy Florida Welcome Kit and be encouraged to participate actively in council activities.
Roles and Responsibilities
Youth Members:
- Attend and participate in meetings.
- Lead school health promotion activities, such as creating posters.
- Recruit new members to join the YAC.
- Identify and complete a project with the necessary tasks.
- Lead decision-making regarding project content and implementation.
- Keep meeting minutes.
- Develop a strategic plan for the group each year.
- Act as student representatives at school health centers, promoting epilepsy awareness (SFA posters and EPS educational materials).
- Facilitate conversations among youth in other school-based groups.
- Execute monthly outreach activities.
- Actively voice opinions and respect others’ perspectives.
By participating in the Youth Advocacy Council, members not only contribute to the well-being of their peers but also develop essential life-long skills in leadership, advocacy, and self-management.
Join the YAC today and be a part of a transformative journey towards making a significant impact in the epilepsy community.
Cecily Dupree | CDupree@eafla.org | (404) 452-7556
