Youth Advocacy & Action
Youth United
Wayne County's youth advocacy initiative — empowering young people to lead, speak up, and create change in their communities.
Youth United engages young people across Wayne County in mental health advocacy and community leadership.
Youth Advocacy & Action
What Is Youth United?
Youth United (YU) is an initiative that promotes advocacy and action among young people by using positive values and philosophy. YU advocates are passionate and not afraid to have courageous conversations about bullying, gun violence, human trafficking, substance use, mental illness, diversity, equity and inclusion, and breaking down stigmas and stereotypes.
Get Involved
Who We Are
Lead Youth Advocates & Youth Mental Health Council
Lead Youth Advocates
Youth United is staffed by Lead Youth Advocates who are charged with engaging other youth, promoting youth involvement at the community level, participating in system of care activities and educating stakeholders through their work.
Youth Mental Health Council
Youth United hosts a monthly Youth Mental Health Council (YMHC) meeting of high school students in Wayne County. The purpose of YMHC is to assist in planning, helping, advising, and working to fill gaps in traditional mental health services in their communities and address mental healthcare disparities that they have experienced firsthand in education, housing, foster care, addiction/recovery, and work to advocate for change with state-level policy makers.
Watch
Youth United in Action
Report to Community
Youth United Report to Community 2024
Report to Community
Youth United Report to Community 2025
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
Youth United hosts events throughout the year to engage young people, build leadership skills, and advocate for mental health equity.
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Youth Mental Health Action Day
An annual day of action raising awareness and reducing stigma around youth mental health in Wayne County.
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Youth Mental Health Ambassador Scholarship
Recognizing youth advocates who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to mental health awareness and community advocacy.
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Leadership Academy
A leadership development program equipping youth with the skills and confidence to lead change in their communities.
Tobacco Prevention
Resources
Youth United works to raise awareness about the risks of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine use among young people. Explore the resources below.
- OK2SAY, Michigan's Student Safety Program (opens in new tab)
- NOT for Me (American Lung Association) (opens in new tab)
- Helping Teens Quit Smoking and Vaping | American Lung Association (opens in new tab)
- N-O-T: Not On Tobacco Program | American Lung Association (opens in new tab)
- INDEPTH® Intervention for Nicotine Dependence (opens in new tab)
- Vape-Free Schools Initiative | American Lung Association (opens in new tab)
- Vape-Free Schools Initiative (YouTube) (opens in new tab)
- E-cigarettes, Vapes and JUULs, What Schools Should Know | American Lung Association (opens in new tab)