What is the Center for the Advancement of Youth Health?

 The CAYH and CYVC are UAB research centers that conduct multiple research studies related to child and adolescent health issues.
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a group of young people from area high schools who advise the CAYH and CYVC about child and adolescent health concerns. YAC members work as a team in partnership with CAYH and CYVC administration. The YAC plays an integral role in the centers by providing young people’s voices and perspectives to help guide efforts to promote adolescent health. What is the Youth Advisory Committee and how does it fit in with CAYH?

When was the YAC formed, and who is on the YAC?

 The YAC was formed in the Spring of 2001 and include youth from area high schools.
The YAC is made up of a diverse group of young people and plays a vital role at the CAYH and CYVC by providing ideas and feedback for ongoing activities. It also helps Center staff to better understand the concerns and priorities of young people, their families, and their neighborhoods. YAC members also work to solve problems identified by their peers. Other possible YAC activities may include reviewing materials related to adolescent health, organizing a YAC team community service activity, and representing the YAC & the Center at community teen meetings and conferences (summits).

What does the YAC do?

 

When was the YAC formed, and who is on the YAC?

 The YAC was formed in the Spring of 2001 and include
youth from area high schools.
YAC members are expected to attend regularly pre-set bi-monthly meetings to be held at the Center during the school year. Members are expected to make one-year commitments to the YAC team. YAC members can apply to continue for additional one-year commitments. What is expected of YAC
members?

Why would you join the YAC?
 

 YAC members join for reasons as varied as there are members. Everyone is unique, but most of the original YAC group said they joined to help do important work to benefit young people, their families, schools and communities; to meet like-minded teens from different schools and neighborhoods; to obtain community service credit; to develop leadership and team work skills, and to have fun!
Adults in schools or in community health or service organizations nominate youth that they think would be:
1) Interested in and benefit from participation;
2) Ready, willing and able to pledge commitment to meeting Center and YAC goals;
3) Wanting to work to improve the health of all youth.

 

How are YAC
Members Selected?
If you qualify, or want to nominate a young person to join the YAC, please contact: Debra Brown
 Email: BrownD@Uab.edu

UAB CAYH/CYVC 912 18th st south birmingham al 35294-1200 (205) 975-0520 www.uab.edu/youthhealth