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Advocacy Opportunities

Becoming involved in making a difference

Parents and youth across Idaho have chosen to take their lived experience with youth mental health challenges and to participate in system change. Whether you desire to provide information at a local event, participate in workgroups related to the YES system of care, or tell your story to change laws, we want to walk alongside you and help give you the resources you need for your chosen advocacy work.

When and Where We Meet:

  1. Parent Input: On the 3rd Wednesday of the month we hold a parent input event over zoom. We invite parents to tell us about their experience with the YES system of care.
  2. Training: We offer training to parents on how to be a leader in the YES system of care and how tell your story in a way that honors your child and impacts those around you.
  3. Family Advocacy Meeting, or FAM, is an opportunity to join parents and advocates to join together to learn about the YES system of care and ways to become involved in system change. FAM meets the 4th Thursday of the month.
  4. Interagency Governance Team, or IGT, is responsible for collaboratively coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the YES system of care. This team consists of community members, providers, and representatives from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the Idaho State Department of Education, and the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections. As a community member, parent input is highly valued. The IGT meets on the second Wednesday of the month.
  5. YES Workgroups: Parent voice is highly valued by those creating the YES system of care. FYIdaho supports parents who participate in YES implementation workgroups. Parent leader openings vary.

 

For more information contact ryork@idahofederation.org or see our event calendar.

< 2023 >
February
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  • Youth MOVE Discord
    7:00 PM-8:15 PM
    February 5, 2023

    Youth MOVE Discord (YM Discord) is a statewide virtual program for high schoolers throughout Idaho to provide peer emotional support to one another and practice mental health advocacy.  YM Discord is meant for high schoolers who live in rural areas, teens who prefer connecting virtually, or can’t attend our in person Youth MOVE groups for other reasons. Participants communicate throughout the week via the various chat channels on the serve and meet via voice channel once a week to discuss mental health topics, do check-ins, and play games. 

     

    To learn more, fill out our interest form here. 

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  • The Boise Brick House
    2:45 PM-5:00 PM
    February 7, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

  • NAMI Smarts Viewing Party with pizza
    3:45 PM-5:45 PM
    February 7, 2023

    NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is a hands-on advocacy training program that helps people living with mental illness, friends and family transform their passion and lived experience into skillful grassroots advocacy.

    • Telling a compelling story that is inspiring and makes an “ask” in 90 seconds
    • Writing an effective email, making an elevator speech and making an impactful phone call
    • Orchestrating a successful meeting with an elected official

    The unique step-by-step, skill-building design of NAMI Smarts is effective with a wide range of participants, including those who are new to advocacy as well as individuals with years of experience.

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  • The Boise Brick House: Rice Krispie Treat Making
    2:45 PM-5:00 PM
    February 8, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

  • Boise High School’s Table Top Gaming Club
    3:30 PM-4:30 PM
    February 8, 2023

    Join Boise High School’s Table-top gaming club to play Magic the Gathering most Tuesdays after school at the Boise Brick House!

  • Youth MOVE Social Support
    5:00 PM-6:30 PM
    February 8, 2023
    704 N 7th Street Boise, Idaho 83702

    Youth MOVE Social Support is a peer-led by a trained teen leader with support and supervision from a Families and Youth of Idaho staff member. This wellness group is aimed towards high schoolers who identify as neurodivergent, as well as other teens who would benefit from the group. Teens will have opportunities to practice self advocacy, discuss mental health, and form positive social connections. Group meetings will involve lessons, discussions, and educational activities as well as recreation and games. We intend to form a tight-knit community of friends who can help each other through the transitions of adolescence and young adulthood.

    This group meets at the Boise Brick House which is located at the Idaho Federation of Families office at 704 N 7th Street Boise ID, 83702. Snacks and drinks will be provided and masks must be worn inside unless actively eating or drinking.

    If you are interested in the group, contact Madeline Titelbaum at mtitelbaum@idahofederation.org.

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  • Youth MOVE Discord
    7:00 PM-8:15 PM
    February 12, 2023

    Youth MOVE Discord (YM Discord) is a statewide virtual program for high schoolers throughout Idaho to provide peer emotional support to one another and practice mental health advocacy.  YM Discord is meant for high schoolers who live in rural areas, teens who prefer connecting virtually, or can’t attend our in person Youth MOVE groups for other reasons. Participants communicate throughout the week via the various chat channels on the serve and meet via voice channel once a week to discuss mental health topics, do check-ins, and play games. 

     

    To learn more, fill out our interest form here. 

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  • The Boise Brick House: Rom Com and Chocolate Strawberries
    2:45 PM-5:30 PM
    February 14, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

15
  • The Boise Brick House: Board games with mac and cheese
    2:45 PM-5:30 PM
    February 15, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

  • FYIdaho Teen Leadership Program Meeting
    3:30 PM-5:00 PM
    February 15, 2023

    FYIdaho’s Teen Leadership program provides training, mentorship and leadership opportunities for high schoolers in the Treasure Valley who are passionate about their community and mental health awareness. FYIdaho Teen Leaders receive leadership and mental health training from FYIdaho staff. With support from FYIdaho staff and community partners, Teen Leaders develop and execute a personal project related to community mental health needs and their developed passions and interests.

     

    At peer mentor meetings, FYIdaho Teen Leaders gather to brainstorm and provide support to one another as they plan their personal projects.

    Interested in learning more? Contact mtitelbaum@fyidaho.org with questions.

  • Boise High School’s Table Top Gaming Club
    3:30 PM-4:30 PM
    February 15, 2023

    Join Boise High School’s Table-top gaming club to play Magic the Gathering most Tuesdays after school at the Boise Brick House!

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  • Youth MOVE Discord
    7:00 PM-8:15 PM
    February 19, 2023

    Youth MOVE Discord (YM Discord) is a statewide virtual program for high schoolers throughout Idaho to provide peer emotional support to one another and practice mental health advocacy.  YM Discord is meant for high schoolers who live in rural areas, teens who prefer connecting virtually, or can’t attend our in person Youth MOVE groups for other reasons. Participants communicate throughout the week via the various chat channels on the serve and meet via voice channel once a week to discuss mental health topics, do check-ins, and play games. 

     

    To learn more, fill out our interest form here. 

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  • Foster Care Awareness Day at the Capital
    All day
    February 21, 2023

    Foster Care Awareness Day at the Capitol on February 22, 2023! Folks from across the state will gather in Boise to provide legislators with education and first-hand experiences related to foster care. This event is free to attend and will be livestreamed on Idaho Public Television. Please register here.

  • The Boise Brick House: Cookies Animal Art
    2:45 PM-5:30 PM
    February 21, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

22
  • The Boise Brick House: Arts and Crafts (with Shay from Cat’s Eye Creative)
    2:45 PM-5:30 PM
    February 22, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

  • Boise High School’s Table Top Gaming Club
    3:30 PM-4:30 PM
    February 22, 2023

    Join Boise High School’s Table-top gaming club to play Magic the Gathering most Tuesdays after school at the Boise Brick House!

  • Youth MOVE Social Support
    5:00 PM-6:30 PM
    February 22, 2023
    704 N 7th Street Boise, Idaho 83702

    Youth MOVE Social Support is a peer-led by a trained teen leader with support and supervision from a Families and Youth of Idaho staff member. This wellness group is aimed towards high schoolers who identify as neurodivergent, as well as other teens who would benefit from the group. Teens will have opportunities to practice self advocacy, discuss mental health, and form positive social connections. Group meetings will involve lessons, discussions, and educational activities as well as recreation and games. We intend to form a tight-knit community of friends who can help each other through the transitions of adolescence and young adulthood.

    This group meets at the Boise Brick House which is located at the Idaho Federation of Families office at 704 N 7th Street Boise ID, 83702. Snacks and drinks will be provided and masks must be worn inside unless actively eating or drinking.

    If you are interested in the group, contact Madeline Titelbaum at mtitelbaum@idahofederation.org.

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  • Youth MOVE Discord
    7:00 PM-8:15 PM
    February 26, 2023

    Youth MOVE Discord (YM Discord) is a statewide virtual program for high schoolers throughout Idaho to provide peer emotional support to one another and practice mental health advocacy.  YM Discord is meant for high schoolers who live in rural areas, teens who prefer connecting virtually, or can’t attend our in person Youth MOVE groups for other reasons. Participants communicate throughout the week via the various chat channels on the serve and meet via voice channel once a week to discuss mental health topics, do check-ins, and play games. 

     

    To learn more, fill out our interest form here. 

27
  • The Boise Brick House: AAPI Workshop
    2:45 PM-5:30 PM
    February 27, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

28
  • The Boise Brick House: Mario Kart and Chick-Fil-A Nuggets
    2:30 PM-5:30 PM
    February 28, 2023

    The Boise Brick House is an after-school drop-in space for 9-12th graders in the Treasure Valley to hang out with friends, eat free food, attend fun events, and have empowering conversations about mental wellness. The Boise Brick House is open Mondays-Wednesdays from 2:45-5:30pm for arts & crafts, games, movies, music, cooking & baking, and more! Follow us on Instagram, @theboisebrickhouse to keep up with our activities!

March
March
March
March

FYIdaho serves parents and caregivers of youth with mental health challenges through direct support and education.

Youth MOVE Idaho (YMI), a chapter of Youth MOVE National serves youth through programs that focus on peer to peer support and advocacy.