Centering youth voice is at the heart of our work at The Bridge for Youth. When we empower, validate, and truly listen to the voices of youth with lived experience, we’re able to better meet their needs. This is why our Youth Advisory Board is an essential resource.
The Bridge’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a group of young leaders who have experienced homelessness and instability and have personally utilized the programs at The Bridge. Now, they use their lived expertise to help inform and advocate for decisions that positively impact future youth.
Their voice led to the creation of the Mobile Youth Outreach Center, is present throughout expansions of our programs, led decisions regarding our ongoing renovations, informs our content on social media, advocated to elected officials at The State Capitol, and more. Through their participation, YAB members grow as community leaders, and create an inclusive commUNITY where all youth are safe, accepted, and supported.
Meet some of the voices of YAB and learn what serving on the board means to them:
Lisa
I believe every youth deserves to be heard. If I am able to help someone going through what I went through, I will. That’s why I serve on The Youth Advisory Board. To give back after having my life change at The Bridge.
Our voices are important because we have firsthand experience and can relate to what the youth are going through. We’re able to use our past experiences to create better outcomes for future generations both in and out of shelter.
Looking at what we’ve accomplished for the youth at The Bridge makes me feel proud. This work has even taken me to the Capitol where I’ve gotten to speak to legislators at Homeless Day on the Hill.
It’s really empowering to get to have a say on how The Bridge supports youth like me. Being heard is important for youth experiencing homelessness, because too often they are not listened to.
Before coming to The Bridge, I had a hard time standing up for what I believed in. But, being on the board has helped me learn how to advocate for myself. It reminds me that I can make a difference!
Will
I first discovered The Bridge when I was 18 years old. At the time, I was in the closet for being transgender and was desperate to find a space free of judgement. After weeks of struggling, I found The Bridge’s LGBTQ+ support group, ‘So What If I Am’. It was there where I would feel affirmed, accepted, and empowered. I would later join YAB.
I’ve loved being on YAB and witnessing the ways The Bridge spreads joy. I’ve tabled at a lot of different community celebrations and events, where I really see the impact of our work. I’ve even been empowered to share my story at Bridge events.
Serving on YAB has helped me grow so much as a person and a leader. It’s important for me to give back to an organization that has seen me through hard times. I know I am helping make a difference for youth who are just like me.
Taty
Being on The Youth Advisory Board has inspired and empowered me. Working with this dedicated group of people, all who have experienced what I’ve been through, makes me feel constantly motivated to work towards my own goals.
I am reminded that a struggle can be a beautiful thing. Because the outcomes can lead to something positive. I will never forget how I felt sharing my story at The Capitol. We shed some tears, touched hearts, and advocated for youth.
There is a lot for our board to be proud of. We recently helped redesign the shelter space, are working on adding our voices to social media, and have even collaborated with Dunwoody College on an inclusive art piece. Soon we’ll also be adding more voices to our group!
Without youth voice, we have nothing. We’re all one, and everyone’s experience matters. At the end of the day, we’re building a stronger community as we empower one and other. The Youth Advisory Board engages us in an ongoing conversation that builds upon the past to make a brighter future for those in shelter.
