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AZYP Youth Council is a paid leadership program for youth ages 11–19. Plan service projects, build confidence, and make a difference in your community. AZYP Youth Council Your Voice. Your Ideas. Your Impact. Want to make your school or community better? Arizona Youth Partnership's (AZYP) Youth Council is a paid leadership program for youth ages 11–19 who want to take action on issues that matter, like mental health, bullying prevention, and youth wellness. This is youth leading the way. And yes, you get paid $25 per hour for meetings. What You’ll Do As a Youth Council member, you will: Meet twice a month with other youth leaders Choose the issues you care about most Plan and lead at least three community service projects each year Share youth feedback with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Build confidence, leadership skills, and real friendships You’ll create real change, not just talk about it. Who Can Join? Youth ages 11–19 No leadership experience needed You do not have to be outgoing or a strong public speaker All backgrounds, identities, and personalities are welcome If you care about something and want to help make it better, you belong here. Why Join? ✔ Get paid for your time ✔ Build leadership skills ✔ Make your voice heard ✔ Plan real events that help other youth ✔ Be part of something bigger than yourself 🚨 Youth Council is currently full for this school year! Sign-ups will reopen in August. Check back soon! Frequently Asked Questions What is a Youth Council? A Youth Council is a group of youth who meet regularly to plan projects, discuss community issues, and create positive change through leadership and service. Who can join? Youth ages 11 to 19 are eligible. No experience required. Do I have to be outgoing or a strong speaker? No. The Youth Council welcomes all youth, including those who are quiet or new to leadership. How often does the Youth Council meet? At least twice per month, with a minimum of 20 meetings per year. What kinds of projects will youth do? Youth complete at least three service-learning events each year focused on issues they care about, such as mental wellness, bullying prevention, or improving school climate. Do Youth Council members get paid? Yes. Youth are compensated $25 per hour, per meeting. Is there a cost to join? No. Participation is free. Do parents need to give permission? Yes. A signed parent or guardian consent form is required. Will youth be safe? Yes. AZYP prioritizes physical and emotional safety. Staff are trained in youth engagement, mandatory reporting, and creating inclusive environments. Can a youth be nominated? Yes. Teachers, counselors, and community partners may nominate youth who would be a great fit. Contacts: Sheyanne Miranda | Sheyanne@AZYP.org Kelley Coronado: 520-591-1490 | Kelley@AZYP.org

*AZYP's Youth & Family Division has merged with our Youth Wellness Division, which supports youth in developing healthy mental, emotional, and physical well-being through education. The Youth Wellness division strives to help youth reach their full potential, mentally, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Our goal is to help youth not just survive, but thrive. Youth Mental Health First Aid Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach teachers, family members, caregivers, school staff, health and human services workers and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18)... Learn More Wake Up! Wake Up! is a drug education diversion program for individuals aged 12-22 who have been arrested for drug and/or alcohol related charges. This program allows participants to consider their choices... Learn More Healthy Relationships AZYP implements a variety of curriculums to educate youth and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to create successful, healthy relationships. Learn More Teen Maze Teen Maze is an interactive, one-time, 30-minute event for high school youth to think about their decision-making process. This exercise emphasizes non-fatal... Learn More Wyman's Teen Outreach Program Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program acknowledges that adolescence is a time of rapid change and growth physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. This program aims to help teens improve... Learn More Help and Hope for YOUth Help & Hope for Youth is a multi-sector initiative of Arizona Youth Partnership and was created to expand youth mental health awareness and education to reduce stigma that surrounds mental health... Learn More Summer Leadership Institute This free summer program provides a safe and fun environment for youth (ages 11-17) to learn how to succeed as a leader in their world. Learn More AZYP Youth Council Arizona Youth Partnership's Youth Council is a paid leadership program for youth ages 11–19 who want to take action on issues that matter, like mental health, bullying prevention, and youth wellness. Learn More AIM 4 Teen Moms AIM 4 Teen Moms (AIM4TM) is an evidence-based intervention to reduce rapid repeat pregnancies among teen moms by helping teen mothers... Learn More Active Parenting: First Five Years Active Parenting: First Five Years is a parenting education program that works with parents and their children ages 0-5 on relationship improvement, mental... Learn More Project VIP Project VIP focuses on implementing comprehensive prevention and intervention approaches to combat violence against women, especially in isolated and underserved communities. The program is designed to achieve the following four key goals... Learn More Kelley Coronado 520.591.1490 Kelley@AZYP.org

Arizona Youth Partnership cultivates healthy foundations to build stronger families through youth and family programs. AZYP Empowers Youth to Harness their Strengths to Live Healthy and Purposeful Lives AZ Tax Cred 2025_Social Media 2 Youth Services Quarterly Impact Jan-Mar 2024 2023-2024 Annual Report Home Page Slider AZ Tax Cred 2025_Social Media 2 1/7 WHAT WE DO Building Solid Foundations for Youth & Families OUR EVENTS See what's coming up in near future events in your area OUR PROGRAMS Youth, Family and Community programs offered and the difference they make GET INVOLVED Empower Youth & Families Throughout Arizona

As the nation observes Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) , Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP)  is reaffirming its commitment to helping young people build safe, healthy relationships by offering two free , evidence-based virtual programs for youth across Arizona. Beginning this spring, AZYP will offer virtual cohorts of Positive Potential  for middle school youth and Love Notes for high school youth, removing geographic barriers and expanding access for teens statewide. Free Virtual Spring Cohorts Love Notes is a proven, research-based program that helps high school teens learn how to create and keep healthy relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Participants explore communication, conflict resolution, boundaries, emotional safety, and how to identify the signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships. Positive Potential is a proven curriculum for middle school youth that teaches how to build healthy relationships, strengthen decision-making skills, and set meaningful goals for their futures. Lessons support youth during a critical stage of development, helping them grow in confidence, communication, and resilience. A Crucial Moment for Prevention TDVAM brings attention to the alarming reality that one in three teens will experience some form of dating violence. AZYP is dedicated to prevention by equipping youth with skills that promote safety, respect, and emotional well‑being. “Empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to build healthy relationships is one of the most effective ways to prevent dating violence,” said Kourtney Kazakos, lead program coordinator. “We’re excited to offer these virtual programs so youth across Arizona can access them easily, no matter where they live.” Registration Now Open Parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners are encouraged to share these opportunities with teens who may benefit. For program details or to register, visit www.azyp.org/love-note   or www.azyp.org/positive-potential

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The Empowering Minds Conference, held on October 21, 2025, was more than just an event, it was a movement toward stronger, more connected communities. Hosted by Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP), the conference brought together more than 200 participants for a full day dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and gatekeeper trainings. From Planning to Purpose: The Road to Empowering Minds The journey to the conference began months in advance, with a shared goal: to provide the best possible experience for attendees while increasing Arizona’s capacity to recognize and respond to mental health crises. Every detail mattered; from finding the perfect breakout session presenters to securing sponsorships and community partners that made this event possible. One of the biggest priorities in planning was ensuring attendees could walk away with real connections and local support. As a parent who has personally navigated the challenges of helping a child through a mental health crisis, I know how overwhelming it can feel to not know where to turn. That experience fueled my commitment to building a strong network of tabling partners representing a wide range of mental health, wellness, and community resources. The result was a huge success. The ballroom was filled with organizations ready to offer guidance, services, and support to anyone seeking help for themselves or someone they care about. Having those resources all in one place truly brought the vision of Empowering Minds to life. A Day of Learning, Healing, and Empowerment The conference opened with a heartfelt Land Acknowledgement by Mr. Jonathon Rios , followed by a warm welcome recognizing our sponsors, presenters, and tabling partners, the heart of this event. Their expertise and passion helped equip attendees with the tools to strengthen mental health supports in their communities. Our morning keynote speaker, Dr. Lexi Hernandez , set the tone with an inspiring message on resilience and self-care. We cannot give from an empty cup, and Lexi's message was a needed reminder for our attendees, dedicated to becoming gatekeepers and supporting their communities through a mental health challenge or crisis. Throughout the day, participants engaged in gatekeeper trainings such as SafeTALK, Be A Link, and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), gaining evidence-based skills to recognize and respond to signs of suicide and mental health distress. Breakout sessions offered opportunities for deeper learning on specific topics regarding populations in Arizona where there are high rates of suicide. These breakout sessions included: Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Supporting Older Adults In Our Own Voice (NAMI) Mental Health in Rural Arizona Self-Care and Coping Strategies Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities and Suicide Awareness Supporting Military Families and Veterans Honoring Resilience: Mental Health and Historical Trauma in Indigenous Populations During lunch, Dr. Anahi Ortiz, AZYP Board Member, delivered a moving keynote address rooted in lived experience. Her reflections on prevention, loss, and healing offered a powerful reminder of why this work matters. A Day Recognized and Remembered Adding to the celebration, the City of Tucson Mayor’s Office issued a Proclamation declaring October 21, 2025, as “Empowering Minds Day.” This recognition underscored the importance of collective action in advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention across Arizona. The Lasting Impact By the end of the day, participants left not only with new knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose. The Empowering Minds Conference succeeded in: Equipping community members with practical, culturally relevant suicide prevention skills. Expanding partnerships among schools, behavioral health agencies, and local organizations. Increasing Arizona’s statewide capacity for early identification, intervention, and referral for youth and adults experiencing mental health challenges. Connecting individuals and families to a powerful network of resources through our dedicated tabling partners. As one attendee shared, “It was more than a conference, it was a reminder that every one of us can be a lifeline.” Through shared learning, honest conversations, and collaboration, the 2025 Empowering Minds Conference truly lived up to its name; empowering each of us to build stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities. Written by: Kelley Coronado, Director of Youth Wellness Division.