Youth Advisory Board
Applications for the 2023 YAB Cohort are open beginning April 3rd.
Contact us with any further questions about YAB and applications.
What is the Crisis Center Youth Advisory Board?
Members of the 2022-2023 cohort holding their vision boards.
The Crisis Center YAB is a youth-led committee of young leaders who want to advocate for youth voices in mental health and crisis services. The YAB interacts with Crisis Center programs and Outreach services by centering youth perspectives and creating relationships with youth in their community.
Activities of the YAB
Advise on youth aspects of Crisis Center programs
Learn how mental health services and crisis services support youth
Develop initiatives that increase awareness around mental health and suicide prevention
Attend events and presentations as Crisis Center YAB ambassadors
Learn how to create outreach material for social media around mental health
Improve skills on managing own mental wellbeing
Members also receive trainings around topics such as suicide prevention, mental health, and specific group topics like LGBTQ+ and cultural humility. The group also receives mentorship and skill building around communication, outreach, leadership, and youth advocacy.
Eligibility Requirements
Interested applicants must be aged 16-21 and either residents of San Mateo County or attending school in San Mateo County to be eligible to sit on the board.
Service commitment is one year. YAB members must be able to attend meetings and workgroups.
Applicant success qualities:
Interest in advocating for youth voices in San Mateo County mental health and crisis services
Interest in mental health and suicide prevention
Punctual and dependable
Solid interpersonal communication skills
Strong integrity around personal conduct
Able to work on projects in a group and meet both internal and external deadlines
Be proficient in English
Have access to a computer and stable internet connection
Meeting Schedule
Applicants must be able to attend all monthly YAB meetings, and most workgroups. YAB is operated in a hybrid model, with 1 in-person meeting and 1 virtual group per month. See example schedule below.
Example Monthly Schedule
Second Monday of the month
YAB Monthly Meeting, 4-6pm at our San Mateo office location
Fourth Monday of the month
YAB Virtual Workgroup, 4-5pm on Zoom