Youth Advisory Committee

Home » Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

Hello, hello!

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a group of youth leaders who have dedicated themselves to provide and develop unity, inclusion, leadership, and self-advocacy on behalf of those who are not a part of the YAC. The committee holds meetings once a month and comes together to plan events, create ideas, and host activities for youth in the space and make decisions that would best benefit Inside Out Youth Services.

Subcommittees

Board Liaisons – At least two committee members attend the monthly IOYS Board Meetings and report back to the Y.A.C. on what was discussed.
Webpage Liaisons – At least two committee members to help design and create this webpage.
Youth Pride & Queer Prom Liaisons – At least two committee members help support with Prom Committee meetings in the space, scheduling shifts for Pride and Prom, and running art activities in the quiet space at the events.

Testimonials

"I'm a YAC because it helps me feel like I'm making IOYS a better place for other youth and my peers it's also because I feel helpful and gives me a purpose outside of daily life things."

"When I first heard about Inside Out deciding to open up opportunities for training to be a part of the YAC, I was curious about what being a YAC had to offer. After being in the YAC for over a year now, I can confidently say that for me, being a YAC member has been the best decision I could've made: I've been able to help the youth at Inside Out in more ways than one and make each new person feel welcomed into the space, which I always hope becomes the first step into making a community shine bright."

"YAC and Inside Out has shaped my view on myself more than anything else. When I first joined Inside Out, I was a shy and mentally ill 15 year old with barely any queer friends. When approached with the opportunity, YAC sparked my interest due to my previous leadership experience beforehand, and it's the best decision I think I could've ever made. I've got to make friends with so many people and opportunities I would have otherwise never had. There's something extremely powerful in being able to share the joy and love that I felt when first joining the space with others. Here's to making more friendships forever and always!"

"While I haven't been a part of YAC very long it's been one of the best decisions I've made! Being able to interact with and support the youth in our community is one of the highlights of my life. I've been able to meet and connect with a bunch of awesome people. The longer I get to be a part of this organization the more fulfilled I feel."

Events

Spencerfest: For HeART & Healing

This free community event for youth ages 13 to 24 (and their families and chosen families) will include art, music, and movement workshops, space for community connection, and resources. This event is held in honor of Spencer, an amazing young person who died by suicide in 2023. Spencerfest honors Spencer’s memory with joy, creativity, and empowerment. This special event is all about reminding one another that you are not alone.

Armed security will be present to conduct bag checks and ensure compliance with our Brave Space Agreements.

Queer Prom

Queer Prom is a sober, semi-formal chaperoned dance party for LGBTQIA2+ young people and allies, ages 13 to 24!

There is no cost to attend Queer Prom. We will also have dresses, suits, makeup artists, and hairstylists available before the event so young people can feel as fabulous as they deserve for their prom!

Armed security will be present to conduct bag checks and ensure compliance with our Brave Space Agreements.

Youth Pride

Youth Pride is a sober, family-friendly Pride event for all ages. We will have live entertainment, food, vendors, and activities.

Armed security will be present to conduct bag checks and ensure compliance with our Brave Space Agreements.