What is Y.A.C.?
The Youth Action Committee on Mental Health is a youth driven committee which centers youth voice to address issues and take action related to student mental health & well being within the school board
Who are we?
Y.A.C. is a group led by high school youth who are passionate about promoting mental wellness for all students. The aim of Y.A.C. is to have the full diversity of OCDSB students represented and centers the voices of Black, Indigenous, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ students as well as students with disabilities. This group meets weekly and works together with the support of mental health leadership to shape the school board’s approach to mental health services in high schools.
Our Principles
- To respect confidentiality
- To create a non-judgmental and supportive space to try new things
- To respect others’ opinions and voices
- To be open minded and use inclusive language
- To accept all members lived experience and recognize our position of privilege
What is our mission?
Based on the recognition that it’s young people’s right to participate in decisions that impact them and acknowledge the great skills and strengths they bring to the table, our mission is:
- To ensure student voice is centred in decision making about mental health services in the school board.
- To centre the lived experiences and intersectional identity of OCDSB students and to amplify their voice at the board level
- To promote advocacy with the aim to action the goals as determined by the committee
- To create a space for youth to share their concerns/questions
- To connect with other affinity group members and support one another in getting mental health resources and ideas out to the larger community of students
Why join?
- Have a voice in mental health supports for youth
- Be a part of making change
- Meetings are fun & meaningful
- Get volunteer hours