Marin 9 to 25 Quarterly Meeting and 1-Year Event: June 29, 2022
By Kate Becerra
TThank you to those who were able to attend Marin 9 to 25’s fourth quarterly meeting and one year celebration, held both in person and on zoom. The meeting took place at the Marin Civic Center, and through zoom on June 29th, 2022. There was a great turnout, with 55 participants, including 20 youth between the ages of 9 and 25. Prior to beginning the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to interact with those tabling at the event. Marin 9 to 25 co-chair Alexa Davidson hosted the event in person and led the Q&A sessions following each presentation.
Dr. Jei Africa, Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services at the County of Marin was the keynote speaker and discussed emotional wellness, sexual health, and LGBTQ+ issues. After describing his own struggles in his upbringing as a transgender man, he spoke of the importance of being allies and mentors to LGBTQ+ youth who are currently struggling with discrimination, mental health, identity, etc, and creating spaces where they feel seen and heard.
The lightning round theme was sexual and reproductive health, and consisted of a five-minute presentations for four county partners: Alaina Cantor, from North Marin Community Services presented on the Novato Teen Clinic; Nga Lee, from Marin County Health and Human Services reported virtually on the sexual health data for youth in Marin County; and the Spahr Center was presented by Bilingual HIV Prevention Navigator, Romario Conrado; Priscilla Miranda from the Huckleberry Youth Programs presented on the Huckleberry Teen Health Prorgam and the rights youth have when it comes to sexual health. Each presenter gave an overview of the important work that they do in the community to support sexual health and wellness for youth in Marin.
Marin 9 to 25 Co-Chair Talia Harter was unable to join the meeting but attendees were able to watch a video in which she spoke about the work that has been done thus far and what she is looking forward to as Marin 9 to 25 continues to grow. Talia has been an amazing Co Chair! After hearing from Talia, the new Marin 9 to 25 Co Chair Sammy Lee was introduced and he discussed his excitement to take on the new role and work with community partners to support youth in Marin.
Project Manager Lauren Jacobson discussed the Elevate Youth Grant which will provide $24,000 dollars a year to both Overdose Free Marin (formerly RxSafe Marin) and Marin 9 to 25 to continue working with youth and fund any work they are doing to improve the lives of other young people in the county! Lauren also introduced the new Marin 9 to 25 website!
The meeting concluded with workgroup updates, community announcements and a lobby in which participants were able to ask questions as well as continue the discussion around the presentations. Virtually attendees were also able to stay in the zoom lobby to discuss opportunities for Youth as well.
Please send feedback, lightning round suggestions, and community announcements (job opportunities, meetings, events, etc.) to info@marin9to25.org or use this form. Follow us on instagram @marin9to25!