Illinois Youth Policy Council

YOUTH LOBBY DAY / WE HAVE THE RIGHT, TOO

This year’s lobby day will be a phenomenal experience where you will be able to meet with legislators and advocate about issues related to sexual and reproductive health that impact Illinois youth. We will be lobbying in support of the Reproductive Health and Access Act (HB 6205) and other legislation related to ICAH’s policy priorities. The evening of March 11, members of ICAH’s youth activist projects will host a “Re-Education Through Art” program and it will be a great space for you to showcase your talents and learn more about ICAH.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
Guide
Overview
Media Release (over 18)
Media Release (under 18)
Consent Form (under 18)
Consent Form (over 18)
Medical Information Form
 

The Illinois Youth Policy Council develops and implements grassroots strategies to gain community and legislative support for responsible sexual health education in Illinois. IYPC members organize, lobby, and advocate for policy reform by creating and facilitating peer-to-peer networks, trainings, and actions. Community events in 2009, organized by youth activists and adult allies, include:

• Sex Ed Play, Peoria
• Sexual Health Youth Forum, Peoria
• How 2 Get Down Training, Springfield
• Youth Lobby Day, Springfield
• Let’s Talk About Sex Community Teach-In, Chicago South Side
• Youth and Sex Block Party, Proviso Township, Maywood

Stay up to date on the council by visiting Amplify, where IYPC members blog about sexual and reproductive health and social justice.

For more information or to find out how to get involved, contact youth activist coordinator Rae Wright or call 312.427.4460 x236.

ILLINOIS YOUTH POLICY COUNCIL 2008-2009

Ryan Frascone, Peoria

Bianca Garrett, Maywood

I am 17 years old and attend Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park, where I’m an athlete (basketball and track) and student council member. I’m a very determined person who wants to bring awareness in my community to adolecent pregnancy and STI rates. I am also involved in City Year, an organization that helps teens give back to communities in Chicagoland. I am excited to be a part of ICAH. I feel that my voice can be heard, and I can change my community and the world.

Veronica Lozano, Chicago

I am currently a student at DePaul University, studying political science and psychology. My role as an activist is to help people with disabilities build self-confidence to empower their own lives. Even though I have a disability -- cerebral palsy -- I don't let anything stop me from attaining my goals; there is always a way. I have two quotes I live by: “Everything happens for a reason” and “Dare to be different.” Hopefully these words can inspire someone who is having a hard time. Always be yourself!

Lalo Nunez, Berwyn

Sandra Ortiz, Chicago

I am a senior at Roberto Clemente High School. I’ve earned over 152 hours of service-learning hours, and I love being a peer educator for an amazing pregnancy prevention/youth guidance program called Y.E.S. I am passionate about activism and comprehensive, abstinence-plus programs because I have seen my own family and community suffer from a lack of support, information, and awareness. I am a newly selected Posse scholar and will be attending Oberlin College in fall 2009.

Candis Ulmer, Joliet

Currently, I am studying to become a medical assistant. I chose the field of health care because I care about others’ well-being. That is why I am involved in ICAH and IYPC. Being a part of IYPC gives me a chance to help make a difference. No matter how much or how little information is provided, I know that whatever I give them will change their lives. One of my favorite quotes, which applies to everyone's well-being, is "knowledge is power." If you have knowledge, you can change anything!

Anali Vargas, Chicago

I am currently a junior at Jones College Preparatory. I was born, raised, and live in Chicago. I am an active member of many school clubs, including the Gay Straight Alliance and the National Honor Society. I am one of a family of six, and we have an awesome dog named Shadow. Like most young people, I enjoy having a good time with my family and friends. I’m very open-minded about different peoples’ lifestyles. I’ve never been one to sit around and wait for things to occur; instead, I go out and try to make the right things happen. This mindset led to my participation in the activist world. I became involved with ICAH in summer 2008 and joined IYPC a few months later. I am excited to see how our hard work will pay off in the near future!

Gary Yates, Quincy

I am 17 years old and a high school senior. In 2007 I moved from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Quincy, Illinois, to go to school, and I joined ICAH through an after-school program called Teen Reach. ICAH caught my attention because the more I listen, the more I learn. For example, I’ve learned the statistics about STIs and unexpected pregnancies in the U.S. I also want to help change my school board policy so students can receive responsible sexual health education. I won't quit until I see a change.