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Advocates for Youth's online book club is happening TODAY on Twitter.  This month's book was The Absoutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.  Come on over and share what you thought of the book and how it can be used as a tool for frank discussions of sexuality and relationships as well as social justice and health disparities. 

Under the theme “Nothing for Us Without Us”, Y-PEER (Youth Peer Education Network) in partnership with organizations and individuals from around the globe working with young people is launching the third annual “10 Days of Activisim” (10 DoA) campaign from 1st to 10th September, 2012. In last year’s 10DoA, young people in 20 countries reported over 230 activities which reached more than 10,700 people. The goal for this year is to reach young people in 50 countries including young people in school, out of school, young key affected population and marginalized youths.  Check out the blogs here and the rest of the campaign here!

From stories of our amazing youth activists, to federal, state, and U.S. Foreign Policy updates, to the latest news and research, our Summer 2012 Newsletter has something for everyone.  Check it out!

by Deb Hauser, President, Advocates for Youth

You did it! Because of your work, today we celebrate a victory.

Last winter, the Milton Hershey School publicly refused admission to a 13-year-old student simply because he is HIV positive even though living with an HIV-positive person poses no risk to others. In response, thousands of you mobilized friends and signed the petition demanding that the school change this misguided, discriminatory policy.

Yesterday, they did just that! Under advisement from the Department of Justice, school administrators announced that they have reversed their policy and have offered admission to the student in question.

This victory once again shows what a tremendous impact you can have. One of Advocates for Youths fundamental beliefs is that young people have the right to education free from stigma and discrimination. Now, thanks to 29,575 of YOU as well as the work of our amazing allies, including the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania and the Department of Justice that right has been upheld.

We recently announced that a coalition of partners are calling on President Obama, Congress, and HHS to formally recognize National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day.  Now, we need your help.  Call your Congressional Representative today and ask him or her to support the National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day by signing on to the letter asking President Obama to formally recognize the Day.

Click through for a sample script and contact information.

by Julia Reticker-Flynn, Manager, Youth Activist Network

On August 1, 2012, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), private insurance plans will begin to cover the cost of birth control – meaning millions of women will no longer have to pay the up to $600 a year birth control can cost. 

Most young women with insurance will soon be able to choose among birth-control methods -- oral contraception, injectables, the ring, IUDs, and others. They will be able to select the method that best fits their needs and lives, without cost standing in the way of their decision. You helped make birth control with no co-pay a reality. You sent thousands of letters and participated throughout the year in a campaign urging President Obama and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to stand firm and supporting them in the face of relentless attacks from social conservatives. And you were heard!

by Debra Hauser, President

These days we do not have many occasions to celebrate a victory in women’s health. But, today we can mark on our calendars. Today, most private insurance companies in the United States will begin to cover all FDA-approved forms of contraception, free of co-pays. This is a BIG step forward, especially for many young women, for whom the cost of contraception can be prohibitive.  Most young women with insurance will soon be able to choose among birth-control methods -- oral contraception, injectables, the ring, IUDs, and others.  They will be able to select the method that best fits their needs and lives, without cost standing in the way of their decision.  With this new mandate, making women’s preventive care affordable for those with insurance, we are inching closer to the day when all young women will be able to choose the type of contraception that is right for them; when they can take full control of protecting their health and planning for their futures.

Unfortunately, over the last few months, there have been many attempts to do away with or limit the preventive health services to be covered under the Affordable Care Act – attempts that are likely to continue.