Youth Voice Amplified
Join hosts Gennessa Fisher and Brian Johnson for this youth-led and youth-focused monthly interview series as they talk with young people about their life experiences with homelessness, foster care, disabilities, teen parenting, and more. Each conversation will uncover stories of hope and strength from youth storytellers who will share the best ways we can support youth in similar situations. If you want to know how to do better for youth or simply be inspired, this is your show! Every youth has a story to tell. Are you ready to listen?
Youth Voice Amplified
Behind the YACT Summit: SWAT Students on Youth-Led Change (Part 2)
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In Part 2 of our special live series from the 4th Annual Youth Against Commercial Tobacco Summit, Brian and Gennessa sit down with members of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), the youth-led coalition helping organize the event from behind the scenes.
Together, they talk about what it’s really like to plan a youth conference, why tobacco prevention matters so deeply to them personally, and how students can use their voices to create change in their schools and communities. The conversation explores peer pressure, accessibility of tobacco products, youth advocacy, leadership, and the importance of giving students real opportunities to lead in addition to a hilarious detour into debates about pickles and peanut butter sandwiches!
This episode is a powerful reminder that youth-led spaces matter and when young people are trusted to lead, they can create meaningful impact for the next generation!
Youth-Led Event Resources & Related Episodes
- Live from the YACT Summit: Students Speak Out on Tobacco Prevention (Part 1)
- For Teens, By Teens: 25 Years of Leaders In Life Podcast
- A Youth Roundtable on Homelessness & Hope Podcast
- Inside Youth Homelessness: Voices from the Frontline
- Supporting Youth-Led Events Mini-Guidebook (Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office)
- Students Working Against Tobacco
- Blue Zones Project Bakersfield
- Kern County Public Health
Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.
Connect with Youth Voice Amplified
- Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
- Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
- Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook
If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com.
Credits:
Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer
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