About
The Statewide Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a great leadership opportunity for youth who are passionate about mental health and want to use their voice to make a difference! Working to fight stigma, raise awareness, and educate state and local officials on issues youth are facing today.
The purpose of the ACMH Youth Advisory Committee is to provide the opportunity for youth with personal mental health experiences to have a voice in decision making that affects their lives and create positive changes in policies that impact them.
Committee objectives include:
- Advising ACMH and others about the experiences and interests of youth with mental health challenges;
- Promoting youth voice in decisions impacting Michigan youth;
- Providing opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and become active citizens;
- Fostering & supporting partnerships and relationships between youth & adult leaders throughout the state.
Links
Apply to the YAC | Stop the Stigma | Support the YAC | Flyer
Updates
August 6, 2026
The YAC is excited to share a new opportunity for young people across Michigan! The Emerging Leaders Workshop is a free, one-day virtual experience designed for youth ages 13–20 with lived experience of mental or behavioral health challenges who want to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and discover the power of their voices.
Hosted by the Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH) in partnership with Michigan’s Children, this workshop will help young people explore leadership, advocacy, and how their experiences can create meaningful change. Through interactive activities, conversations, and guest speakers, participants will learn new skills, connect with other young leaders, and discover ways they can use their voices to make an impact.
Join us virtually on September 24 from 5:00–6:30 PM for an opportunity to grow your confidence, share your ideas, and connect with other emerging leaders from across Michigan.
Whether you are already involved in advocacy or are just beginning to find your voice, there is a place for you at the Emerging Leaders Workshop. Your ideas matter. Your experiences matter. Your voice matters.
Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Workshop and what to expect on our event page, and register today to reserve your spot!
February 23, 2026
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Last Saturday, our Youth Advisory Committee led a mental health kit giveaway at the Ann Arbor District Library during the library’s Lunar New Year celebration. It was a meaningful afternoon centered on youth leadership and community connection.
This initiative was fully youth-led from start to finish. YAC members planned the event, organized materials, and welcomed families to learn more about mental health resources. Each free kit included brochures, fidget tools, notebooks, pencils, and other simple supports for stress management and self-expression.
It was encouraging to see youth and families stop by, ask questions, and leave with tools they can use in everyday life. When young people lead efforts like this, the impact feels real and relevant.
We’re grateful to the Ann Arbor District Library for hosting such a vibrant community celebration and for creating space for youth voices to shine.