In Episode 18 of Youth Empowerment Radio, Part Two of the special series on youth voice and advocacy, host Carmen speaks with Tori and Jordan about the importance of inspiring, amplifying, and utilizing youth voices to create meaningful change. The discussion highlights the issues of trauma and re-traumatization, the need for genuine listening, and the challenges youth face in advocacy spaces. They emphasize creating inclusive spaces by meeting youth where they are and offering diverse opportunities for participation, including both group and individual settings. The episode also addresses the importance of lived experience in advocacy roles, combating biases in child welfare, and the necessity for organizational preparation and intentionality in fostering youth advocacy.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio

01:24 Challenges of Incorporating Youth Voice

03:18 The Importance of Lived Experience

08:35 Creating Inclusive Advocacy Opportunities

17:04 Advice for Organizations and Youth Advocates

22:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy and Change in Colorado - Part 1 | Youth Empowerment Radio Ep. 17

Join us for Episode 17 of Youth Empowerment Radio, the first part of a special series on the power of youth voice and advocacy. Host Carmen sits down with advocates Tori Schuler and Jordan to explore how to inspire and amplify youth voices to drive meaningful changes in laws and policies. They share personal journeys from foster care to advocacy, discuss the importance of authentic youth engagement, and highlight the potential impact of true youth involvement in organizational decision-making and legislative reform. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and insight into how we can all help empower young people in our communities.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio
01:27 Meet Jordan: From Foster Care to Advocacy
04:04 Tori's Journey: Empowering Foster Care Voices
09:43 The Importance of Authentic Youth Engagement
15:05 Youth Voice vs. Youth Advocacy
24:49 Challenges and Transparency in Youth Advocacy

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Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy and Change in Colorado - Part 1 | Youth Empowerment Radio Ep. 17

Join us for Episode 17 of Youth Empowerment Radio, the first part of a special series on the power of youth voice and advocacy. Host Carmen sits down with advocates Tori Schuler and Jordan to explore how to inspire and amplify youth voices to drive meaningful changes in laws and policies. They share personal journeys from foster care to advocacy, discuss the importance of authentic youth engagement, and highlight the potential impact of true youth involvement in organizational decision-making and legislative reform. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and insight into how we can all help empower young people in our communities.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio

01:27 Meet Jordan: From Foster Care to Advocacy

04:04 Tori's Journey: Empowering Foster Care Voices

09:43 The Importance of Authentic Youth Engagement

15:05 Youth Voice vs. Youth Advocacy

24:49 Challenges and Transparency in Youth Advocacy

Understanding Mile High Behavioral Healthcare: Programs, Services, and Community Impact

In this episode, Audree steps in for Savannah to interview Bob Dorshimer, CEO of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare. Bob provides an in-depth overview of the organization's history, its specialized programs for various vulnerable groups, including gender-specific services, LGBTQ+ initiatives, and youth support services. He discusses the innovative Aspen Miracle Center, the Transcend program, and the comprehensive care offered through their new behavioral health drop-in center, The Hive. Bob sheds light on their efforts to serve marginalized communities, the importance of experiential therapy, and how the organization integrates lived experiences in recovery support. Audree and Bob also explore the broad definitions of family and recovery, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental and individualized support. Finally, they discuss how community members can help support Mile High Behavioral Healthcare's mission to aid underserved populations and combat homelessness.

00:00 Introduction and Host Change
00:18 Overview of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
01:09 Specialized Programs and Services
01:56 Support for LGBTQ+ Community
02:45 Reentry Programs and Transcend Program
03:48 Emergency Shelter Services
05:08 Focus on Youth in Crisis
07:01 Experiential Treatment Approaches
09:58 New Youth Drop-In Center: The Hive
14:53 Supporting Underserved Populations
22:35 Defining Family and Individuality
27:26 Embracing Self-Love and Authenticity
27:47 Supportive Recovery Services at Mile High
28:20 The Importance of Lived Experience in Recovery
28:53 Holistic Approach to Treatment
29:28 Personal Connections in Recovery
30:17 Broad Definition of Recovery Support
30:50 Youth and Community Involvement
34:25 Supporting Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
40:01 Incorporating Youth Voice in Programs
45:08 Understanding and Addressing Homelessness
48:08 Personal Definitions of Recovery
49:00 Conclusion and Gratitude