I wish youth knew that not only their voice deserves to be heard, but also their voice is valuable and worthy of being heard. I know I lived for too long feeling powerless and I never want another person to feel that way.

Ashley, 23, works with Advocates for Youth and the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland as a member of the Ohio Advocates.

After taking an international health class I became very interested in HIV/AIDS and health disparities. I could not believe the social stratification of the disease. This passion led me to attend my first advocacy event in DC. This experience showed me the value of activism, lobbying and community organizing. I was hooked and have continued to work in activism ever since. 

The reason why I am interested in health advocacy specifically is because I believe health is a human right. All people should have equal access to positive health outcomes, but unfortunately, in the US and globally this is not the case. This motivates me to promote health policies that decrease health disparities and improve health equity.

Youth advocacy is another specific interest of mine. I want youth to know that they have power and responsibility in the development and implementation of health policies. I did not learn about my ability to make change in the world till I was half way through college. I wish youth knew that not only their voice deserves to be heard, but also their voice is valuable and worthy of being heard. 

Youth advocacy is important also because if we don’t fight for our rights, who will? Among all social justice movements, the groups that were the loudest and most active were the ones that succeed. I know I lived for too long feeling powerless and I never want another person to feel that way. We need to do it for ourselves and each other.