Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

Domestic

Location

Washington, D.C.

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood. As a part of the Youth Development Community Engagement (YDCE) programs team, I collaborated with queer youth activists and experts from across the country in the planning and execution of the virtual Rise Up! Youth Leadership Conference, a free, online conference that explores what it means to be a young queer organizer today. I was responsible for all the planning, execution, organization and leading of the actual conference alongside another youth fellow. During Pride month I also supported YDCE staff during various tabling events with the community.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.