Requesting Consultation with the Young Adult Advisory Board
Thank you for your interest in visiting our Young Adult Advisory Board (YAB) and obtaining feedback on your project! The YAB is comprised of members from all walks of life, all of whom have varying intersectional historically- and systemically-marginalized identities.
Creating and sustaining a YAB requires significant commitment and proper infrastructure. Click here to view the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research’s “Youth Council Toolkit” for more information on how to create and sustain your own youth/young adult advisory board.
We welcome research teams who do research aimed at improving outcomes among young adults with MHCs to consult with our YAB as part of our services. Before requesting this service, please review the important guidelines below.
Building Meaningful Partnerships with YAB Members
Tokensim: As a presenter, you will be expected to understand what tokenism is and avoid tokenistic practices when consulting with the YAB. Tokenism refers to the performative inclusion of underrepresented populations in a project or research initiative, intended to give the appearance of diversity or inclusivity. However, these efforts often fail to meaningfully engage these populations or address their needs, limiting any genuine positive impact. In contrast, young adults should be valued as co-creators, not symbolic participants.
Soliciting Meaningful Feedback:
Determine if your project is at a stage where YAB feedback is meaningful. Here are some questions that may help guide this decision:
- What decisions still need to be made, and do you have a plan for how YAB feedback will be integrated?
- Are you prepared to modify the project based on YAB feedback, even if it challenges your assumptions or timeline?
- Is this the right time to involve the YAB, or would earlier or later engagement be more impactful?
Once you confirm that YAB feedback will be meaningful, determine how much influence YAB members will have over the project. Click here to access the Continuum of Participation to help guide your approach.
The YAB Guiding Values & Community Guidelines
Prior to your presentation, we kindly ask that you review and act in accordance with our YAB Guiding Values & Community Guidelines. This includes respecting confidentiality, honoring diverse perspectives and lived experiences, and upholding a professional and non-judgmental environment during meetings.
Presentation Guidelines
Presentation guidelines are provided to support your presentation development.
Ready to Request a Slot?
Click here to fill out a Technical Assistance Request Form and select “Advisory Board” from the list of topics.
What to Expect Next
Your Technical Assistance Request Form will be reviewed within a few business days. Our YAB Co-Facilitators will contact you directly to schedule a 30-minute initial consultation to learn more about your project and what you are seeking from the YAB. Based on the feasibility and fit of your project, YAB Co-Facilitators will support you in scheduling your visit with the YAB. The YAB meets monthly and meetings are scheduled based on member availability. Presentation slots are first-come, first-served. The sooner you submit your request, the better!
Questions?
Contact YAB Co-Facilitators Tracy Neville Tracy.Neville@umassmed.edu, and Mei Pearlstein, Mei.Pearlstein@umassmed.edu
