Youth Voices Amplified

Women and girls all around the world have been the target of many atrocities throughout history, even now in the 21st Century. Global Youth Ambassadors Anvita N. and Tanvi N. report from Singapore about a terrible human rights issue that many youth, and the general public, seldom hear about---Female Genital Mutilation, also known as FGM.

This topic may be sensitive for some listeners, so please be advised.

If you suspect someone is in danger of undergoing FGM you can contact the NSPCC FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550. 


Other Ways to Support Ending FGM:

-Youth can donate to Plan International as they work with women and girls and aim to raise awareness and take action against FGM: https://plan-international.org/sexual-health/7-ways-to-end-fgm-for-good

-UNFPA-UNICEF has a joint program to eradicate FGM. Youth can donate to support this initiative: https://www.unicef.org/protection/unfpa-unicef-joint-programme-eliminating-fgm

-Youth can donate to Plan UK as well: https://plan-uk.org/blogs/3-ways-you-can-help-stop-fgm-and-cutting-season

-Consider hosting webinars, creating infographics, and sharing them across social media platforms can create a drastic impact

-Follow, fund, and support frontline activists:
*Jeddy Lemarom – The Malkia Initiative
*Natalie Robi – Msichana Empowerment Kuria

To watch the video of this podcast check it out here. 

If you're not an adult, why should voting or helping out your community be important to you? Tune in to hear CEP's Administrative Assistant and YVA host Zoë S. chat with CEP Youth Ambassador Danae B. about the importance of being an active youth citizen!

To watch the video of this podcast check it out here. 

It's popular to be "woke," but are people really becoming more socially conscious, or are they just becoming more sensitive? Why does it matter? In this episode of YVA our Youth Ambassadors and co-hosts, Briana C. and Kyia P. cover thought-evoking topics such as colorism, abuse, privilege, self-identity, and so much more as they encourage listeners to be true to themselves and to practice authenticity.

To watch the video of this podcast check it out here. 

Have you ever wondered if it's time to let a friend go? Or maybe there's a friend group you truly value and you're amazed at how easily you all clicked. How can we tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships? In this episode of YVA our Youth Ambassadors and co-hosts, Briana C. and Kyia P., discuss, “green flags"-- signs that indicate you are in a positive friendship or relationship.

To watch the video of this podcast check it out here. 

So many young people experience ACES, or Adverse Childhood Experiences, at very young ages. How does exposure to traumatic experiences early on in life have a direct impact on your future self? Why is that generations of people never seem to heal from their traumas?

This episode contains sensitive material and may not be appropriate for all audiences. If you or someone else are in need of help please reach out to the resources below:

• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) to report suspected abuse.
• Child Sexual Abuse Phone: 1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368)
• National Center for Victims of Crime: Phone: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
• Dating Abuse: 1-866-331-9474, TTY: 1-866-331-8453, or Text LOVEIS TO 22522
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233), TTY: 1-800-787-3224
• Missing and Abducted Children: 1-800-I-AM-LOST (1-800-426-5678)
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
• National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929), or Text: 66008
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), TTY: 1-800-799 4889

At times, we all wake up on the wrong side of the bed in the morning, so to speak. Other times, the way we feel is so much deeper than that. Has this ever happened to you on a school or work day? Should you ever have to sacrifice your mental health for things deemed more important by society? Is there a way for academic institutions to provide better mental health supports to students in need, and for society to be more empathic to those in need of a "self care day"?

This episode contains sensitive material and may not be appropriate for all audiences. If you or someone else are in need of mental health help please reach out to the resources below:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

If you are in an emergency, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

NAMI
 1-800-950-6264 M-F, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., ET 
 Or text "NAMI" to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

On the cusp of the "Defund Police Movement" many high school students and young adults are re-envisioning the purpose of police and other law enforcement officials within academic  institutions. Do police belong in schools? Is there a connection between the "School to Prison Pipeline"?

"Youth are the leaders of tomorrow!" That may sound cliche to some, but to others that statement invokes very strong responses. Are you considered a "youth"? Do you think you have the ability--or responsibility--to make a difference in your community? 

Mental Health can be a bit taboo, but let's talk about it in a safe space. What are ways mental health has shown up in your life, and the lives of your friends and family members?

This episode contains sensitive material and may not be appropriate for all audiences. If you or someone else are in need of mental health help please reach out to the resources below:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

If you are in an emergency, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

NAMI
 1-800-950-6264 M-F, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., ET 
 Or text "NAMI" to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

What happens when young people get tangled in the web of the U.S. Justice system? Will "justice" prevail, or are they doomed--or perhaps they land somewhere in the middle? Tune in as youth discuss the Khalif Browder Netflix documentary, their perceptions of the youth justice system, and ways to change it for the better.