Youth Leading the Way

We’re the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)—aka a group of young people making sexual and reproductive health way easier to understand so that you can feel confident taking care of and advocating for your needs. We work alongside the Women’s Fund of Omaha to make sure youth voices are not only being heard, but are actually leading the way.

We put our voices, ideas and real experiences at the center of the work, because no one knows what young people need better than us!

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For more context on the youth sexual and reproductive health landscape in Omaha, check out this research report conducted by some of our members!

more about YAC

upcoming events

Meet the Members

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YAC IRL (AND ONLINE)

Young Leaders Summit

Last summer we brought together young leaders from across the Omaha metro for a full day of learning, connection and real talk about sexual health and sex ed. We dug into the stuff that matters—rights, health and the future we want.

Social Media Collabs

SHAPE THE FUTURE WITH US

Together, we create events, trainings and youth-centered spaces that help us grow as leaders, advocate for our peers, and champion Access Granted as ambassadors in our schools and communities.

Members commit to regular meetings, sharing ideas and supporting youth-led projects. Applications open at the beginning of each year.

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“Young people are not the future change makers, they are the current change makers.”

YAC'S PURPOSE

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) works alongside the Women’s Fund of Omaha (WFO) and its Adolescent Health Project (AHP) to make sexual and reproductive health resources and education barrier-free for young people in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Recognizing that young people are best positioned to understand and address the needs of their peers, YAC ensures that young people’s voices, experiences and ideas are at the center of all WFO efforts impacting them.

MISSION STATEMENT

YAC organizes opportunities (including events, trainings, etc.) that create space for young people to explore their identities, feel better informed about sexual and reproductive health and grow in their leadership and advocacy. YAC’s vision is for young people to become empowered participants in their communities and to work in partnership with adults to make our communities a better place.

EXPECTATIONS + REQUIREMENTS

Between 15-26 years of age
Demonstrate a passion for sexual and reproductive health and a willingness to learn, communicate effectively and collaborate with peers
Dedicate 2-6 hours/month to council-related activities including meetings and individual tasks, with increased involvement around events
Attend once or twice monthly meetings in person (with virtual option as needed)
Serve for up to 2 years with an option to reapply/extend
Adhere to WFO’s values

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide input/feedback on AHP strategies, resources and programming and be prepared to innovate
Act as an ambassador for AHP, helping with engagement –– social media promotion (@Access.Granted), representation at community events (i.e. staffing a booth), etc.
Help to organize and execute youth-centered events (including curriculum design, logistical support and facilitation)
Promote and support WFO events targeted toward young people (e.g. Emerging Leaders Circle, Popsicle Skate Night, etc.)
Occasionally advise on matters relating to other WFO projects, such as Freedom from Violence (FFV), policy, etc.

COMPENSATION

$20/hour, 2-6 hours/month (meetings, individual tasks, event preparation, etc.) with an overall increase around events.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications open at the beginning of each year.

MEET THE MEMBERS

Cleo

(she/her)

I am an advocate, researcher and community leader committed to advancing health equity, reproductive justice and civic engagement. During the day, I am either lobbying the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska or leading NEw Voices, a community project I co-founded to advance youth civic engagement and candidate cultivation across Nebraska. When not working on policy, I am watching reality tv, studying for my master’s degree or registering voters!

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Favorite Snack

Popcorn

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Hobby

Playing Catan

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Travel Spot

Denmark

Deepa

(they/she)

Hello hello! I am a student at the University of Nebraska Omaha studying Physics and Neuroscience. I am passionate about all things related to reproductive justice, mental health advocacy and empowering underrepresented communities. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve obtained through joining the Youth Advisory Council and I hope to use the skills learned through this organization for any advocacy projects I might pursue in the future!

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Hobby

Drawing

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Hype Song

She’s My Collar – Gorillaz

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Zodiac Sign

Aquarius

Kween

(she/they)

Hi, I’m Kween, a senior at University of Nebraska Omaha studying Public Health with a passion for sexual and reproductive health.

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Hobby

Crocheting/Sewing

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Fun Fact

I bought a flight from Paris to Lomé, Togo that took off exactly at midnight!

Nia

(she/her)

Hi! I am a young teen leader from Omaha who advocates for social and reproductive justice as well as peer advocacy on sexual education. I joined this specific organization to gain a better perspective on why supporting young leaders is imperative. I intend to take what I learn from the YAC to support my future goals.

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Hype Song

Faking it By Kehlani

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Zodiac Sign

Leo

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Travel Spot

Sicily

Norah

(she/her)

Hello! My name is Norah and I grew up in Papillion and moved to Omaha in 2020. I am currently a senior at Omaha Central High and plan to study policy in college. I am passionate about social and reproductive justice, gender equity as well as expanding opportunities for young people in Nebraska. I joined YAC because I believe it is important for young people to be involved in our community and to use my voice as a leader. I hope to use my perspective and passion to support YAC’s mission!

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Zodiac Sign

Pisces

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Travel Spot

Greece

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Hobby

Singing

Raven

(she/her)

Hey everyone! My name is Raven and I grew up in Bellevue. I currently work in Creighton’s IT Department as a Software Asset Management Specialist and I have a strong passion for service and uplifting the Black community! I joined YAC because I believe it’s important for young people to have access to the sexual and reproductive health resources they need, but also have confidence in talking about them. There shouldn’t be a stigma around advocating for your health, your body and your wellbeing! I love being a part of this team. 🙂

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Hype Song

All Me – Drake, 2 Chainz, Big Sean

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Fun Fact

I’ve never lost a “Guess How Many Jellybeans Are in the Jar” contest!

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Zodiac Sign

Aquarius

Yasmine Alhejaj

(she/they)

I was born and raised in Omaha. I’m a student at the University of Nebraska Omaha, studying gender studies and public health. I joined the YAC to increase my involvement with youth adolescent sexual and reproductive health care. My favorite part of working with Omaha youth is doing outreach and education on sexual and reproductive health. I enjoy spending time with my two cats, watching movies and collecting CDs.

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Favorite Snack

Peanut Butter M&Ms

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Hype Song

LVL – A$AP Rocky

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Currently Reading

All About Love – bell hooks

Hi, I'm Olivia!

I serve as the Youth Engagement & Social Media Coordinator for the Women’s Fund of Omaha, which means I create and support education, leadership and community outreach opportunities to foster authentic youth-adult partnership. It’s my belief that young people can change our communities for the better if only we give them the tools and platforms to do so. I’m so lucky I get to scheme and dream with this brilliant group!

If you have any questions or want to stay updated on upcoming events and engagement opportunities, please send me a message via the form below or email me at OPatinkin@OmahaWomensFund.org.