The Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) is an innovative approach to addressing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. YAMs lead IPPF/WHR-Caribbean youth work by using media, technology, peer education and advocacy to provoke change in young people, Family Planning Associations (FPAs), education systems, decision makers and governments.
YAMs conduct activities addressing adolescent SRH needs, including a regional newsletter, regional youth camps, the sharing of yearly work plans, and a penpal network, aiming to share ideas and strategies for working with peers. Locally, YAMs work with schools, in the community, and in the FPA to educate youth on SRH. Through trainings, support groups, recreational activities, radio broadcasts, press releases, and other media events YAMs reach out to the community.
YAMs collaborate with local groups such as National Youth Programs/Parliaments, helping to make a national-level impact. YAMs participate in annual meetings of FPAs and boards of directors, and collaborate with parents to increase two-way communication and support between parents and children.
YAMs have a significant impact on adolescent SRH programs of FPAs, and on communities as a whole. Around the Caribbean YAMs have influenced laws in relation to adolescent SRH rights. YAMs empower young people to take control over their health and speak out on their needs.
YAMs strengthen the capacity to provide effective support, information and leadership to youth in SRH. They serve as an effective regional voice to improve the quality of programs in adolescent SRH, to influence decision-makers, and advocate for policies, program and rights.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about the Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) of the Caribbean, a youth-lead approach to adolescent sexual and reproductive health where youth take responsibility for their health using media, technology, peer education and advocacy to provoke change in their peers, within the FPA, in the education system, and on a national level through decision makers and governments.
Keywords: Adolescents,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.