Celebrating Pride and Youth Wellness: Marin 9 to 25's June Steering Committee Meeting

On June 15th, 2023, Marin 9 to 25's Steering Committee came together for a momentous meeting that centered around two important themes: Pride month and Youth Wellness. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, discuss equality and inclusion, and shed light on the well-being of young individuals in Marin. With esteemed keynote speaker Mavi Pilloton from The Spahr Center and remarkable youth presentations, the meeting was an inspiring gathering that left a lasting impact on all participants.

The highlight of the meeting was the presence of Mavi Pilloton, who serves as the Training Institute Manager at The Spahr Center, was the esteemed keynote speaker. Mavi shared their personal story and passionately discussed the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in the community. Their words resonated deeply with the audience, sparking meaningful conversations about equality, inclusion, and celebration. Mavi's invaluable insights and unwavering support left a mark on all attendees, reinforcing the importance of creating a safe and accepting environment for all individuals. Please make sure to check out the flyers shared by Mavi here.

The meeting also showcased the incredible talent and potential of the youth in Marin through lightning round presentations. These presentations covered a range of initiatives focused on youth wellness, demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment of the young individuals to make a positive difference in their community.

Wellness Festival: One of the presentations highlighted the recent Wellness Festival, which aims to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being among youth.  Sammy Lee, who serves as Co-Chair of Marin 9 to 25 and on Marin County Youth Commission presented highlights of the festival that took place this past May. The festival offered engaging workshops, activities, and resources for young individuals to prioritize their mental health.

AIM Research Team: Another remarkable presentation introduced the AIM Research Team, a group of dedicated young researchers at San Domenico High School exploring mental health challenges faced by their peers. This lightning round was presented by one of the student researchers, Barry Liu. Their efforts contribute to a better understanding of youth mental health, helping develop targeted interventions and support systems. Check out their 2023 Ideas Lab research report for Marin County! If you are interested in learning more, join the AIM Research Team!

Find Your Way: The Find Your Way initiative was another inspiring presentation by its two members, Amari Forney and Madison Herrero, that focused on youth wellness in Marin County. By providing resources and connections, Find Your Way empowers young individuals to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Visit Find Your Way webpage to learn more! Or follow on social media @findyourwaymarin.

Youth Resource Guide: A comprehensive Youth Resource Guide was presented during the meeting, offering a centralized hub of information on support services, recreational activities, and community resources available to youth in Marin. This guide will serve as a vital tool to ensure that young individuals can easily access the help and opportunities they need. Check out the resource guide here.

Scholarships: The meeting also announced Find Your Way’s Scholarship application for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year! Find Your Way offers a $500 scholarship to youth ages 12-25 who want to make a difference in their community. To learn more and apply click here. Applications are due September 19th, 2023!

As advocates for positive change, we are grateful to have these passionate individuals as part of our community. Their tireless efforts and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young individuals are truly inspiring. By collectively promoting wellness and supporting LGBTQ+ youth, we can create a more inclusive and nurturing environment for all.

Our next steering committee meeting will be in September and the theme is Suicide Prevention Month! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us @marin9to25 to learn more!