Youth Action Councils (YAC’s) were established across Portland to advocate for Student Health Centers (SHC’s), which provide free health services such as sports physicals, vaccinations and therapy. 

The McDaniel YAC has put on events about civic engagement, created mental health resources, and advocated at the Oregon state capitol for increased funding for health centers and mental health.

Nicole Mayer, the coordinator of McDaniel’s YAC, says, “YACs are important because they take youth voice and put it into action, creating projects and educating to empower their school and community to make better health choices.”

The YAC has big plans this year: they want to spread the word about the Student Health Center, the food pantry and other resources already available at McDaniel. Their current project is creating a promotional video about the Student Health Center and working to integrate information about SHC’s into the health curriculum. 

YAC members are also looking forward to the annual trip to Salem, where they’ll have meetings with state legislators throughout the day and learn how to be advocates for themselves and their community. 

Want to join? Email [email protected]. Meetings are on Wednesdays during lunch in Room 113. Snacks and refreshments are provided!