History of the Youth Movement

The Early Years

The Youth Movement began years ago when Youth Coordinators and Youth across the country were advocating for National Involvement. In 2003 the National Youth Development Board was formed with support from many diverse people from systems of care communities across the country. The National Youth Development Board existed in an advisory capacity in the early years. In 2007, the members of the National Youth Development Board approached the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health with the idea of becoming affiliated during the growth process.

The Formation of Youth MOVE National

The conversations led to Youth MOVE becoming a subsidiary of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health in October 2007. Youth MOVE National’s (YMN) received assistance from SAMHSA to start-up and are currently a subsidiary of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health where YMN receives professional development and mentorship. Currently Youth MOVE National structure is in transition as the group is taking steps to achieving their non-profit status. Youth MOVE National has also received support from other venues in the past, such as the Jonas Penn Fund.

Youth MOVE National's Role in the Youth Movement

Youth MOVE National was able to develop the definition for SAMHSA’s Systems of Care of what it means and to have a youth guided system. This was an important task in the work of system of care and board members and it allowed YMN to explore the creation of more tools to inspire change through youth involvement. Youth MOVE National board members had the opportunity to travel and learn of the youth movement occurring in Canada. From this relationship the project Dare to Dream was brought to the United States by Youth MOVE National after seeing its implementation in Canada. With funding from SAMHSA, YMN was able to give out 20 grants to youth groups for the purpose to reducing stigma surrounding mental health through programming and events across the country.

Youth MOVE National has also provided other services on a national level, such as serving as consultants on panels, assisting in youth empowerment training and the development of youth guided programs related to improving systems and services. YMN also began serving as key note speakers across the country and conducting related workshops. Participation has ranged from national conferences to local grassroots trainings and all across the country. Furthermore, the internal expansion of YMN has led to the expansion of chapters and members of this national movement across the country. While Maryland was the first state to join as a chapter, Maine, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, and many other states have already becomes chapters and begun spreading the work of Youth MOVE to the local levels so that further youth can empower themselves and advocate for change.