“In YLC I felt affirmed for who I am, what I care about, and how I think. After a year alone [during the pandemic], that was sorely needed.”
Mia Jo (YLC 2021-Current Member)
What is Youth Leadership Council?
Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is a group of young people committed to advancing adolescent sexual health and well-being in Tulsa. YLC members select, implement, and lead projects dedicated to sexual health, reproductive health, healthy relationships, and wellness. In addition to receiving financial compensation for their work, members learn leadership, organization, and planning skills, and have access to resources, transportation, and networking opportunities.
Past YLC Projects and Member Initiatives
- YLC organized a Trivia Night for young people in the Tulsa Area in Spring 2022. Partnering with Hope Testing Clinic and Youth Services of Tulsa, participants competed in 5 rounds of sexual health trivia and were able to learn about Sexual Health, LGBTQ+ History, STI Testing, Pop Culture, and Healthy Relationships in a fun, educational, youth-led setting.
- During Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2022, four YLC members created original artwork and artist statements to affirm and support Trans history, excellence and experiences on Amplify’s social media. Check them out on our Instagram highlight!
- Two YLC members from the 2021-2022 cohort were invited to be interviewed by NPR member stations about their feelings regarding life in Oklahoma as Transgender teenagers during the height of the Oklahoma legislative session. They shared their firsthand experiences and honest feelings in a poignant interview that spoke about the experiences of many Trans youth in our state who cannot speak for themselves. Listen to their interview here!
- A member from the 2020-2021 cohort created her own bilingual Body Positivity workshop series, which was ultimately integrated into a Tulsa Community College program for adults working with youth. She then worked with Amplify to create a proposal to share her project’s success. We’re excited to share that she will be presenting about the importance of a youth-centered program model at Healthy Teen Network’s 2022 conference in Miami, Florida in October 2022!