At the Touchstone Foundation, advocacy is one of our core values. Now more than ever, our advocacy work is integral to our mission of increasing youth mental wellness in Lancaster County.
With recent federal budget decisions impacting Medicaid and our Pennsylvania legislature still negotiating the Commonwealth’s budget, advocacy can seem daunting. But now is exactly the time when our voices, especially youth voices, are so critically important.
Our Rise Above youth summit students recently met with students from the PA Youth Advocacy Network to learn about what issues matter to high school students, and what pieces of legislation are being introduced and supported in the PA House and Senate. Students are advocating for one excused mental health day per year.
We then met with Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El and Hempfield graduate Mekkai Williams to learn about their work advocating for youth mental wellness. Students asked questions about increasing funding for school social workers and counselors, inquired about a new proposed model mental health curriculum, and learned about the power of showing up as a group, to advocate for changes locally. That is advocacy with coalitions, in action.
Here is a brief overview of our current work with local and statewide advocacy coalitions. We encourage and welcome our partners, young people, and concerned citizens to reach out and engage with us in this work. Together we can stand strong for our young people, teaching and encouraging participation in advocacy work for youth mental wellness.
In our work with coalitions, we share a common vision for advancing our mission. Our work with each of these is a bit different, and they are each uniquely valuable in helping us work together and learn more. We can share a stronger voice when we join in this work. So, we invite you to learn more and join us!
PA Youth Advocacy Network – aims to create a space for youth and adults to work together to elevate teen voices around mental health and make the systems changes that teens want and need.
PA Teen Mental Health Coalition – aims to bring together community-based organizations (CBOs) and partners across Pennsylvania to advocate for policies and funding to support CBOs in providing teen mental health prevention and early intervention services.
Strong Minds, Bright Futures – a partnership for child mental wellbeing, this statewide coalition is committed to building a stronger future for Pennsylvania’s children, a system that works for families, providers, and the future of Pennsylvania.
Coalition for the CommonHealth – believes in whole person primary care, because the body and mind cannot be separated, that health care delivery systems in PA must change to integrate physical, oral, and behavioral health needs, and that a healthy workforce is critical to a healthy Commonwealth.
PA Health Funders Collaborative – strives to improve the effectiveness of health funders’ initiatives by collaborating, networking, sharing best practices, and creating a unified voice among funders working in communities across Pennsylvania.
PA Association of Nonprofit Organizations – PANO is a collective voice to influence state policies on behalf of more than 63,000 nonprofit employees and 100,000 nonprofit volunteers in Pennsylvania. We believe Pennsylvania nonprofit professionals grow better together.
Lancaster Chamber – advocating for the interests of Lancaster County businesses across all levels of government.
National Association of Social Workers – PA Chapter – From getting social workers and our allies elected to fighting for policy changes, we are working harder than ever to stand up for Pennsylvania social workers. Our policy priorities are reflective of social work values with the commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Does one of these speak to you and your passion for youth mental wellness? Or is there an opportunity you see in your school or local community that matters to you? Share your thoughts with us! Thank you for sharing your voice. Together, we can speak up on behalf of youth mental wellness in Lancaster County.
