Straight from our trainers, these presentation tips will set you up for a fabulous presentation.

March 26, 2026

You could say we’ve done this a few times. As a capacity-building organization, our staff is well-versed in how to give an effective presentation. Here are some tips to help you design and facilitate effective presentations.

WHEN PREPARING YOUR PRESENTATION…

Make it fun!
Be creative and authentic in your design, title, and description. A little humor never hurts!

Clearly identify the intended, appropriate audience.
It is important to identify who the presentation is for, so you can tailor the content of the presentation. Focusing your design on a specific audience makes the presentation feel relevant and relatable for the participants.

Write a catchy, creative title and a clear, detailed description.
Participants want to be able to make appropriate choices when planning their schedule, so they need to know who your presentation is for, what they are going to learn or be able to do, and why it is important to them.

Incorporate new ideas and the latest research.
Participants are attending your presentation to learn what is NEW! Make sure your content is relevant to what is happening today.

Time your presentation well and present an appropriate amount of content.
It’s tempting to pack too much content into a short session, but learners will feel more satisfied knowing something really well, rather than feeling rushed and unclear about a large amount of information. Consider how much background and contextual content is really needed in the beginning of your session so you have plenty of time to present the crux of the content. And be sure to allow time for questions.

Use adult learning principles.
Adult learning principles can help you understand how your audience learns, so that you can deliver your content in a way that will be most accessible. Remember—what you are saying matters as much as how you are saying it.

Avoid lectures.
People learn better when they feel involved and when content is processed through their own experience. Avoid telling participants information—instead, help them make discoveries themselves.
Break up the presentation with various learning strategies.
Active learning strategies help your participants get engaged and involved in your presentation. There are tons of active learning activities. Choose one (or a few) to incorporate into your presentation!

Use appealing visual aids.
If using PowerPoint or similar software, follow appropriate slide design principles. It’s helpful for learners to have a visual aid, but remember, the presentation is about you, not the slides, so do not make the slides a script for, or the focus of, the entire presentation.

Provide helpful materials, but don’t overwhelm your participants.
It can be useful for participants to have a tip sheet or a summary of some key information from the presentation, but too many materials can be overwhelming. Providing participants with all the information and notes can make them feel like they do not need to be engaged.

Prepare a detailed design, so another person could give the same presentation.
Maybe someone else in your organization wants to deliver the presentation again. A detailed design will make the presentation replicable, increasing organizational capacity. And of course, we never know what emergencies may pop up, so it’s important that another facilitator could easily follow your presentation design.

Run through your presentation in advance.
If possible, facilitate a pilot presentation. Practice, practice, practice! Get feedback from colleagues or friends.

From TED Talk-style presentations to panel discussions and more, we’re grateful to have had such amazing presenters at Heathy Teen Network conferences over the years!

WHEN FACILITATING YOUR PRESENTATION…

Keep it fun!
Same as with your design, be creative and authentic in your delivery…and humor always helps!

Leverage participants’ experiences.
Provide opportunities for discussion and sharing. If learners understand the relevance of the content to their own experiences, it can help them process and retain the information. Also, by sharing experiences, we can all learn from each other.

Save time for questions and feedback.
Allocate at least 10 minutes at the end of the presentation for a question-and-answer session and evaluation. Did you meet your objectives? The best way to improve is to get feedback from the participants! Save adequate time at the end for Q&A and evaluation.

Let them know how to follow up.
Provide information for further resources, as well as your contact information. Your participants may think of questions later or need more information when it comes to applying your content. Make yourself and other resources available to them, so they can really apply their knowledge.

Download these tips

The #HealthyTeen26 Call for Proposals is open! Submit your proposal by May 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

PHOTO CREDIT: Gina Desiderio at Healthy Teen Network

At Healthy Teen Network, we believe every young person has the right to be who they are and love who they love. And we see you, the professionals and caring adults, helping them do this. We know you do your best when you’re connected to great opportunities and resources. That’s why we’re here…to help make those connections and support you. Read more about us.

The post Quick Tips for Effective Presentations appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

We are excited to have Megan Thomas join our Communications Department!

January 2, 2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Megan Thomas as the newest member of our Communications Department! Joining Gina, Allison, Nick, and Arianna, Megan brings nearly a decade of nonprofit communications experience to her role as Communications Designer at Healthy Teen Network.

Megan’s career has been fueled by a passion for storytelling as a tool for social change. She has honed her skills in writing, design, and digital marketing to support professionals in fields ranging from sexual violence prevention to environmental conservation. At Healthy Teen Network, Megan uses this expertise to create and share resources that empower youth-supporting professionals to deliver exceptional sexual and reproductive health care and programs.

When asked why she was excited to join Healthy Teen Network, Megan shared, “I’m really struck by Healthy Teen Network’s focus on sex ed as an integral part of young people’s overall health and well-being. The skills that young people learn from sex ed are transferrable to so many parts of their lives, from media literacy to self-esteem, and it’s so encouraging to be part of an organization that recognizes the crucial role that inclusive sex ed plays in a healthy life.”

Her role includes developing and coordinating written content, crafting strategic digital marketing plans, and promoting resources that impart vital public health knowledge. Megan’s efforts ensure our resources reach the right audiences, amplifying our mission and expanding our impact.

Before joining our team, Megan worked at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, where she developed tools to help advocates address sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. She also contributed to ecological conservation through her work with the Wildlife Habitat Council, supporting sustainability initiatives on corporate-owned lands. Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Writing from York College of Pennsylvania, where she specialized in effective communication for diverse audiences.

There’s a LOT I wish I had learned in sex ed! One of the biggest things that comes to mind is healthy relationships—talking about what consent looks like, healthy communication strategies, and how to build relationships that are not only fulfilling but also supportive of everyone involved.

Reflecting on her own experiences with sex ed, Megan said, “There’s a LOT I wish I had learned in sex ed! One of the biggest things that comes to mind is healthy relationships—talking about what consent looks like, healthy communication strategies, and how to build relationships that are not only fulfilling but also supportive of everyone involved.”

Megan is eager to dive into her new role, sharing, “It’s so exciting to see all the innovative tools and resources Healthy Teen Network has created—and even more exciting to be part of that process! I’m really looking forward to brainstorming and working with the Healthy Teen Network team to develop forward-thinking products that support young people’s needs.”

Outside of work, Megan loves a good binge-watching session of TV and movies, especially anything in the horror genre. She’s also heavily involved in her local community theatre, helping out both onstage and off. And of course, her energetic dog Chase keeps her busy, often dragging her out for walks around the neighborhood.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Megan! We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make as part of the Healthy Teen Network family.

The post Say Hello to Megan, Our New Communications Designer appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

We are excited to have Celease Jordan join our Capacity Building Department!

January 2, 2025

At Healthy Teen Network, our strength lies in the passion and dedication of our team. We’re thrilled to introduce Celease, our new Program Manager, who brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and creativity to our work.

Celease is deeply committed to fostering youth education, creativity, and connection while building safe spaces for young people to thrive. In her role, she manages the school component of the U Choose Program, working closely with educators in Baltimore City Public Schools to support their efforts in delivering impactful sexual health education.

 

I wish I learned more about birth control. There was a lot of misinformation surrounding birth control, its effectiveness, and the different types that were available. At the time, I didn’t feel safe in my class to ask for further information, and I got the impression the teacher was also a little flustered talking about it.

Reflecting on her own experiences with sex ed, Celease shared, “I wish I learned more about birth control. There was a lot of misinformation surrounding birth control, its effectiveness, and the different types that were available. At the time, I didn’t feel safe in my class to ask for further information, and I got the impression the teacher was also a little flustered talking about it. It wasn’t until I did my own research that I learned there were a lot of areas we didn’t cover on the topic. I feel like if we were able to get a full, comprehensive explanation of birth control, it would have benefited me and the other students in my class.”

A graduate of Stevenson University with a B.S. in Psychology, Celease has focused her studies on sexuality, mental health, and race equity education. These interests fuel her advocacy for diversity in professional development and curriculum implementation. Her expertise ensures that Healthy Teen Network’s programs continue to be inclusive and effective.

Celease is no stranger to the Baltimore community. Since moving to the city six years ago, she has devoted herself to making a difference by working with local nonprofits, volunteering, and supporting small businesses. She explained, “Healthy Teen Network is passionate about the same things I am—creating safe spaces for students, supporting educators in their work, promoting equity and inclusion, and giving back to the community. I want to leave my community better than I found it, so it’s important that the work I do is focused on youth because they bring about new ideas and change.”

In her role at Healthy Teen Network, Celease bridges connections between our organization and Baltimore City Public Schools. She builds educators’ capacity, evaluates the U Choose Clinic, Classrooms, and Community (3-C) program, and co-develops training sessions to ensure students receive high-quality sexual health education. “I am looking forward to all things professional development!” Celease said. “I love learning, so I will use the first couple of trainings to soak up as much information as I can. Eventually, I’m looking forward to being on the other side of things and helping with the planning and execution of the trainings themselves!”

If Celease had a magic wand, her dream for improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health would be to “improve the sexual health education experience for communities who have been subjected to systemic oppression, specifically Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ students.”

Outside of work, Celease recharges by spending lazy days crocheting, playing cozy video games on her Switch, or cuddling with her cat. On more active days, you can find her outside gardening, roller skating, or trying new brunch spots with friends in D.C.

We’re excited to see the impact Celease will have as part of the Healthy Teen Network family. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!

Photo Credit: Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

At Healthy Teen Network, we believe every young person has the right to be who they are and love who they love. And we see you, the professionals and caring adults, helping them do this. We know you do your best when you’re connected to great opportunities and resources. That’s why we’re here…to help make those connections and support you. Read more about us.

The post Meet Celease: Healthy Teen Network’s Newest Program Manager appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

Every year, we’re making a difference—one resource, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

Arianna de la Mancha

DECEMBER 19, 2024

As 2024 ends, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the milestones, growth, and impact we’ve achieved together this year. From providing essential resources to engaging in vital conversations about sex education and health equity, this year has been a testament to what we can accomplish as a network. Let’s look at some of the highlights!

Top 10 Resources of 2024

Our resources empower educators, advocates, and young people to access the information they need. Here are the most impactful tools you turned to this year:

1. Sex Ed 101 for Educators – Your go-to guide for delivering foundational sex education.
2. Words Matter: A Guide to Inclusive Language for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health – How we communicate matters—this resource can help you use inclusive and affirming messaging.
3. Navigating Health Information in the Digital Age – This video series for providers, parents and caregivers, and young people helps think through trusting and sharing digital content.
4. Power Through Choices – This evidence-based sexual health program is designed with and for young people involved in systems of care,
5. Pulse – An evidence-based program key resource for staying informed and connected to sexual health insights.

6. Serenity Kit – Take care of yourself with this thoughtfully curated kit that promotes self-care, healing, and a sense of safety (be sure to check out the DIY Guide to make your own kit!).
7. #SexEdForAll Tool Kit – Save the date now for May 2025—Sex Ed for All Month—and join the call for access to quality sex education for all young people.
8. El Camino – A goal-setting sexual health promotion program, this curriculum is designed for Latino young people and is based on positive youth development principles.
9. National Observances and Awareness Campaigns Calendar – This calendar is your guide for staying engaged and aligned on important national observances and awareness campaigns (and you can link it to auto-update in your calendar!)
10. Unlocking the Secrets of Classroom Management – Dive into how to address challenging behaviors in the classroom.

Top 10 News Posts of 2024

This year, we explored emerging trends, tackled tough topics, and amplified youth voices. Here are the stories that resonated the most with you:

1. Sex Education is Essential – These are talking points to help you as you champion why sex ed is important.
2. Forget Gen Alpha…This is Gen Sigma – We may be looking at the newest micro-generation…reflect on the unique experiences of young people today.
3. Helping Pregnant and Parenting Teens Find Housing – We compiled these resources that could be useful for young people who are pregnant and experiencing homelessness in the United States.
4. Sex Ed? On TikTok? – Yep, it’s more likely than you think. Reflect on how social media platforms are shaping sex education.
5. You Just Found Out Your Teen Is Having Sex. Now What? – Practical, empathetic guidance for parents to be an askable adult.

6. Why Are Youth Watching Porn and What Are They Learning From It – It is important to prepare youth with the skills to assess the world they interact with and porn literacy can be a valuable tool.
7. Quick Tips for Effective Presentations – Straight from our trainers, these presentation tips will set you up for a fabulous presentation.
8. 5 Queer Sex Ed Resources By and For Young People – Celebrating inclusive, affirming sex education tools, young people take the lead to reimagine building a society that centers their experiences.
9. Navigating Sexual and Reproductive Health Censorship on Social Media – How can we ensure young people have access to the crucial sex ed and health information they need and dodge the restrictions set by the big shots in the social media game?
10. The Invisible Struggle: Hidden Disabilities and the Challenges of Being a Woman of Color in Leadership – To create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for all, the systems we operate within must recognize and support us as whole individuals with diverse needs and experiences.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we celebrate our successes, we’re already looking forward to building on this momentum in the new year. We remain committed to advancing inclusive, equitable, and youth-centered resources and conversations. Thank you for being part of the Healthy Teen Network’s journey. Together, we’re making a difference—one resource, one conversation, and one connection at a time. Here’s to another year of growth, impact, and progress. Cheers to 2025!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Arianna de la Mancha is an artist, writer, sex educator, and Communications Designer at Healthy Teen Network. With a unique background in sexual wellness product development, and a passion for inclusive, queer sex education, they bring a distinct blend of creativity and sex-positive expertise to nonprofit communications and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. In their free time, you’ll find them tending to their plants or crate-digging for their growing record collection. Read more about Arianna.

The post This Is Our Healthy Teen Network 2024 Wrapped appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

In times of conflict and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to affirm our commitment to these principles

December 18, 2024

At Healthy Teen Network, we stand firm in our commitment to reproductive justice and human dignity for all people, particularly young people, especially in times of global conflict and chaos. Our vision aligns with the World Health Organization’s holistic definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This comprehensive view underscores that health, including sexual and reproductive health, is inextricably linked to political, social, and economic conditions.

The right to make decisions about our bodies and lives is deeply intertwined with broader issues of social justice and human dignity.

As we navigate a complex world, we are guided by the principles of reproductive justice as defined by SisterSong. This framework emphasizes the right to have children, not have children, and to parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities. It’s a reminder that the right to make decisions about our bodies and lives is deeply intertwined with broader issues of social justice and human dignity.

In times of conflict and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to affirm our commitment to these principles. We stand for the protection and dignity of all people, especially the most vulnerable, and advocate for environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, free from violence and oppression.

Our work is driven by the belief that every person, especially young people, no matter where they live, deserves the right to choose their own path and to live in a world where their humanity is respected. We will continue to champion these values in our work, advocating for a future where every life is valued, every choice is respected, and every community is supported in the pursuit of justice and dignity.

At Healthy Teen Network, we believe every young person has the right to be who they are and love who they love. And we see you, the professionals and caring adults, helping them do this. We know you do your best when you’re connected to great opportunities and resources. That’s why we’re here…to help make those connections and support you. Read more about us.

The post We Stand Firm in Our Commitment to Reproductive Justice and Human Dignity for All People appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

There’s little over a month left for Biden to take action to ensure gender equality is enshrined in our Constitution.

Mimi Jacobie

Mackenzie Piper, MPH, CHES

Gina Desiderio, MA

December 12, 2024

Tuesday, December 10, Congresswoman Cori Bush held a press conference joined by The Feminist Front, the Young Feminist Party, and the ERA Coalition at the House Triangle. Together, they issued an urgent call to President Joe Biden to publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the critical importance of gender equality and the need for decisive action.

Citing the incoming Trump administration and soon-to-be GOP-controlled House and Senate, Bush said, “Our bodies, our rights, our lives are on the line. While progress has been made in enacting laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex, equal rights are still not constitutionally protected.” 

In our ongoing commitment to move our field forward and protect the rights of young people in our communities, one concrete way we can do this is to make enough noise to ensure that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is enshrined into our U.S. Constitution. We have the greatest chance to do this in the next 40-something days, before the administration changes hands.

In our ongoing commitment to move our field forward and protect the rights of young people in our communities, one concrete way we can do this is to make enough noise to ensure that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is enshrined into our U.S. Constitution. We have the greatest chance to do this in the next 40-something days, before the administration changes hands. This is likely the last chance to add the ERA to the Constitution for an entire generation! 

While the fight for human rights and gender equality is an evergreen aspect of the work we do, the reality is that most Americans do not realize gender equality is absent from our Constitution. A recent poll shows 72% of Americans mistakenly believe the ERA is already in place—though roughly 3 in 4 Americans support the gender equality amendment. 

Continued Attacks on Bodily Autonomy Based on Gender

We continue to see the negative consequences of this lack of protection of gender equality. Just a week ago, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Skremetti, a landmark case that could have widespread impacts on the availability of health care for transgender young people, and the ability of providers to provide essential, best-practice, and medically necessary health care. 

Hormone treatment remains uncontested and available in Tennessee for young people who are not transgender. However, if SCOTUS upholds the state’s ban, transgender young people would be discriminated against on the basis of their gender and be refused the exact same treatments. If upheld, we would expect other state bans to follow. 

The ERA, however, could protect all young people’s right to receive the medically necessary treatment they, their families, and their healthcare providers determine to be appropriate for them—rather than radical, ideologically-driven judges and legislators. 

And of course, we continue to see the fatal fallout from the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization SCOTUS decision, overturning Roe V. Wade and greenlighting abortion bans across the country.  

The amendment states, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” No law or legal protection is stronger than a Constitutional amendment. The ERA could serve as a legal foundation for achieving our collective vision of equity.

The ERA would protect bodily autonomy, our rights, and our lives. The amendment states, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” No law or legal protection is stronger than a Constitutional amendment. The ERA could serve as a legal foundation for achieving our collective vision of equity.  

The ERA has met all requirements of the Constitution’s Article Five, passing both houses of Congress in the 1970s and being ratified by 38 states by 2020.  

Take Action

Advocates have been working on this amendment for over 100 years, and we invite you all to join their legacy within the next month. So, how do we do this? 

• We need public support to call President Biden’s office each day, urging him to direct the U.S. Archivist to immediately publish the Equal Rights Amendment.
  • Visit the ERA Coalition website for White House call instructions/script.  Call (202) 456-1111 and text (302) 404-0880 the White House and demand that the ERA becomes reality. 

• Additionally, we’re rallying Congress to act: 4 Republicans must join Democrats in signing a discharge petition to force a House vote by Dec 20.  

Why the ERA Matters

Publishing the ERA would have significant impacts for all Americans, but specifically, also adolescents and their sexual and reproductive health and well-being: 

• Advancing Comprehensive Sex Education 

• • For those of us in the field, the ERA would strengthen our ability to advocate for inclusive and unbiased sex education, ensuring every young person receives the information they need to lead healthy, empowered lives. 

• Supporting Reproductive Justice 

• • Reproductive justice is a cornerstone of youth empowerment. The ERA will secure stronger protections for young people’s rights to access contraception, abortion, menstrual equity, and other vital resources without discrimination. 

• Ensuring Gender Equality in Education 

• • As the ERA enshrines equality under the law, it would directly impact how educational programs are designed, ensuring gender disparities in access to health and education resources are addressed. 

• Defending Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary Youth Rights 

• • The ERA’s focus on gender equality supports a commitment to affirming and inclusive environments for all young people, including those who are queer, trans, and non-binary, helping to combat discrimination in schools and health care. The ERA guarantees rights that can’t be rolled back for the queer and trans community. 

• Enhancing Professional Impact 

• • The ERA would also protect and empower professionals in our field, giving them legal recourse against discrimination and strengthening their capacity to deliver essential services to young people. 

• Building a Legacy of Equality  

• • Our collective work at this conference—focused on reimagining and reinventing approaches to youth health—is aligned with the broader goal of creating a society where equity is not only an aspiration but a constitutional guarantee. 

Take action today to urge President Biden to publish the Equal Rights Amendment now! 

Take Action

The post There’s Still Time for Biden to Sign the ERA and Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sex appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

This Transgender Day of Remembrance, let’s honor those we’ve lost and redouble our commitments to giving trans young people the affirming support and care they need to thrive.

Charlie Blue Brahm, MA

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Immediately following Transgender Awareness Week, in which we are invited to uplift transgender people’s stories, November 20, 2024, marks the 25th annual observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this day, people around the world will come together to mourn all those we’ve lost to anti-trans violence.

Whereas the first Pride was a riot, the first Transgender Day of Remembrance was a vigil. In 1999, transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann began the observance in memory of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was killed the year before. 

The ongoing epidemic of anti-trans violence continues the need for observing Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

It’s heartbreaking that Transgender Day of Remembrance is still needed 25 years later, as transgender and nonbinary people continue to experience an epidemic of violence. This violence is most acute for people at the intersection of multiple systems of oppression, especially transphobia, racism, and misogyny. In any given year, the majority of people who have been killed are BIPOC transgender women, with Black trans women facing the highest rates of violence. 

To date, there have been 28 reported deaths in the United States due to anti-trans violence in 2024. Twelve of these people were 25 years old or under. However, the number of trans deaths in any given year is widely believed to be undercounted, as many trans people are deadnamed and misgendered in media, making their deaths hard to track. The Trans Remembrance Project includes additional transgender and non-binary people lost in 2024, including eulogies to honor their lives. 

These lists also do not include young people who died by suicide after experiencing anti-trans violence or discrimination, like Nex Benedict. Nex was a 16-year-old nonbinary high school student whose mother is a member of the Choctaw Nation. He died in February a day after he was reportedly attacked by classmates on school grounds, following months of persistent bullying. His death was ruled a suicide. 

Tragically, transgender and nonbinary young people experience depression and suicidality at disproportionately high rates, in large part due to the discrimination, stigma, and violence they experience. As with trans lives lost to violence, the intersection of racism and transphobia doubly impacts BIPOC transgender and nonbinary people. According to a recent report by the Trevor Project, 58% of Black transgender and nonbinary young people seriously considered suicide and 1 in 4 (25%) attempted suicide in 2023. 

This mental health crisis is not inherent to transgender and nonbinary identities: it is a result of all the ways that trans people are mistreated, now and historically. In 2023, the Human Rights Campaign declared a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans in response to having more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country, more than 80 of which were passed into law. Well over half of these bills specifically target trans young people. And we know that more are on the way. These bills and hateful rhetoric portray deviance from cisgender norms as monstrous, deranged, and dangerous. They take away transgender young people’s agency; spur physical violence against transgender people; remove discrimination protections in housing, employment, and health care; and create a sense of despair. 

The situation isn’t hopeless: Receiving affirming care and support from youth-supporting professionals can be crucial for keeping trans young people alive.

The situation isn’t hopeless: Receiving affirming care and support from youth-supporting professionals can be crucial for keeping trans young people alive.

Many trans young people are scared right now, but your presence as a trusted adult can make a big impact in supporting transgender and nonbinary young people’s well-being. Research by the Trevor Project has consistently found that transgender and nonbinary young people who feel affirmed in their gender identity have lower rates of depression and suicidality.  

You can show up for transgender and non-binary young people when you… 

Learn more about LGBTQ+ identities.

LGBTQ+ young people, and especially young people who aren’t cis, often face the burden of educating the adults who are supposed to be supporting them. While it’s important to avoid assumptions and recognize that every young person has a unique experience, learning more about transgender and nonbinary identities can provide a foundation for providing grounded support. Check out this guide from the Trevor Project on being an ally to transgender and nonbinary young people. 

Get clear on local laws and restrictions.

Many youth-supporting professionals are facing laws and regulations that restrict how they can support LGBTQ+ young people right now. The onslaught of anti-trans laws can cause fear that keeps people from supporting LGBTQ+ young people in their area. Remember that of the 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2023, only 80 passed. Understanding your local laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights ensures that you’re able to make decisions to protect yourself while still providing transgender and nonbinary young people with all the support you can. 

Use LGBTQ+ affirming care best practices.

These practices include using young people’s chosen name and pronouns wherever it is safe to do so (make sure to check with them, so you don’t unintentionally out them), creating spaces that are visibly LGBTQ+ friendly with flags and posters, and supporting LGBTQ+ organizations like Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs). If you can’t do any of these things, you can still try to be a supportive, askable adult in one-on-one conversations and be transparent about how much you can maintain confidentiality. We encourage you to check out our Guide to Inclusive Language for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health to learn more about best practices and terminology recommended by experts. 

Advocate to protect trans rights and support youth activists.

Learn more about the young people who are changing the narrative and leading the fight against anti-trans bills that affect them, and amplify the voices of young people in your community. Call your representatives to advocate for LGBTQ+ protections and against emerging anti-trans legislation. In a time when many of us are hurting, figure out how you can sustainably support trans rights while caring for yourself and your loved ones. 

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, let’s not forget all the people who were lost too young to anti-trans violence. Let’s turn towards the grief and hold each other in it. And most of all, let’s keep fighting to create a world where all trans young people are safe and get the love, support, and care they need to thrive. 

And to any transgender or nonbinary youth-supporting professionals who are reading this: Thank you for your work. Thank you for being present in young people’s lives. I know you’re probably scared, too. 

Below are the names of the transgender and nonbinary young people in the United States who have been lost to violence to date in 2024:

Pauly Likens, 14

River Nevaeh Goddard, 17

Tayy Dior Thomas, 17

Jazlynn Johnson, 18

Dylan Gurley, 20

Alex “Boo” Taylor Franco, 21

Kenji Spurgeon, 23

Meraxes Medina, 24

Tai’Vion Lathan, 24

África Parrilla García, 25

Michelle Henry, 25

Redd, 25

We invite you to honor the memories of all the transgender and nonbinary people who were lost to anti-trans violence in the United States this year by participating in local Transgender Day of Remembrance events, gathering with loved ones for a private vigil, or lighting a candle and taking a moment of silence to reflect on how you can keep showing up for trans young people.

The post We’re All Needed in the Fight to Protect Trans Young People appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

Growing up in a city economically tethered to the WTI oil price, I dismissed natural disasters and environmental health concerns as part of life’s occupational hazards. Only after transitioning from my high school to a college 1,800 miles away did I realize my childhood, marked by corrosive drywall and frequent 100-year hurricanes, was far from normal. Though the physical marks were clear in the water damage, climate change also made an indelible impression on my mental health.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of adolescent health and well-being, it becomes increasingly clear that a holistic approach is essential. One significant area that deserves more attention is the intersection between environmental factors and social determinants of health. While these topics might seem distinct, their interplay profoundly affects the health outcomes of adolescents. In this post, we’ll explore how environmentalism is crucial in shaping the health and future of young people, particularly in the context of adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors—such as socioeconomic status, education, physical environment, employment, and social support networks—significantly impact health outcomes. For adolescents, who are in a critical stage of development, these determinants can influence their physical, emotional, and sexual health.

Some key social determinants for adolescents can include:

1. Economic Stability: Access to resources such as food, housing, and health care are vital. Economic hardship can lead to stress and limited access to health care, both of which can negatively impact sexual and reproductive health.
2. Education Access and Quality: Educational opportunities shape not just future economic prospects but also health literacy and the ability to make informed health decisions, including those related to sexual health.
3. Social and Community Context: Strong social support systems and community engagement can foster a safe environment for adolescents to grow and explore their identities.
4. Health and Health Care: Access to affordable, youth-friendly healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive health services, is crucial for preventing and managing health issues.
5. Neighborhood and Built Environment: Safe neighborhoods with access to recreational spaces and clean environments contribute significantly to overall health and well-being.

Environmentalism extends beyond protecting natural resources; it encompasses the quality of the environments where we live, learn, and play. For adolescents, particularly those in communities that have been subjected to systemic oppression, environmental factors can be a significant barrier to achieving optimal health.

Environmentalism extends beyond protecting natural resources; it encompasses the quality of the environments where we live, learn, and play. For adolescents, particularly those in communities that have been subjected to systemic oppression, environmental factors can be a significant barrier to achieving optimal health. For example, adolescents in oppressed communities are often more exposed to pollutants from industrial activities, poor air quality, and contaminated water sources. Poor housing can exacerbate these health issues, ranging from respiratory problems due to mold and poor ventilation to stress from overcrowding.

Additionally, the impacts of climate change—such as extreme weather events, food insecurity, and displacement—disproportionately affect populations that have been systemically oppressed, including adolescents. These stresses can exacerbate existing health disparities and affect mental health and stability. We have already begun to see how climate change can induce anxiety in youth.

Environmental justice advocates for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental laws, regulations, and policies. By addressing environmental injustices, we can reduce health disparities among adolescents. This means advocating for cleaner, safer environments and ensuring that communities that have been systemically oppressed have a voice in environmental decisions that affect them.

Of course, addressing the intersection of social determinants of health and environmental factors requires a collaborative approach. Healthcare providers, educators, community leaders, and policymakers must work together to create environments that support healthy living. Sexual health educators and youth-supporting professionals can start by using a trauma-informed and healing-centered lens to hold space for and acknowledge how our changing climate affects overall health and well-being of young people.

Initiatives could include creating green spaces in urban areas, improving access to nutritious food, and ensuring affordable health care. Furthermore, adolescents themselves can be powerful advocates for change. Encouraging and supporting youth-led initiatives can lead to innovative solutions and increased engagement in environmental and health issues. And these can have a multiplicative effect–programs that foster leadership and activism in young people can have lasting impacts on their communities and beyond.

Understanding and addressing the links between social determinants of health and environmental factors is essential for promoting the well-being of adolescents. As we continue to support youth in their journey to adulthood, integrating environmental justice into our health strategies is not just beneficial—it’s necessary. By doing so, we can create healthier, more equitable futures for all young people.

Join the Conversation!

We want to hear from you. How are you integrating environmental health into your work with adolescents? Share your stories and strategies on social media using the hashtag #HealthyTeensEnvironment. Together, we can make a difference.

Feel free to reach out to Healthy Teen Network with any questions or to contribute to the ongoing discussion on promoting the health and well-being of adolescents through a lens of environmentalism and social determinants of health. Contact our team at Thrivology for more information.

PHOTO CREDIT: Katie Rodriguez on Unsplash

Angela Zhong is a Thrivology Youth Leader. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard in economics and environmental science public policy, Angela has advocated for youth climate action in numerous spaces, including at the World Economic Forum, World Bank Spring Meetings, and UN General Assembly. These experiences have propelled her to engage further in youth leadership as part of the Healthy Teen Network cohort. Learn more about Angela.

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The youth experience is always changing, but one thing that stays consistent is the need for youth-supporting professionals to meet young people where they are. In pursuit of this goal, Healthy Teen Network and Baltimore City Health Department partnered to create a youth-led sexual health influencer campaign that normalizes sexual health conversations and promotes Title X clinics through the project, Y-SURGE. The project’s overarching goal is to enhance use of and satisfaction with Baltimore City clinic services among all young people.

My role in the project is to build the capacity of the youth sexual health influencers. By capacity, we mean providing a foundation of support for these young people to develop their content. This includes influencer briefs with suggested prompts to get them started, tips on integrating recent trends into their posts, and consistent celebration of their creative efforts, and being there to answer questions when they feel stuck.These campaigns not only promote local Baltimore clinics but are also an effort to destigmatize sexual health conversations among young people, increase the youth friendliness of these clinics, and provide young people with skills they can use far beyond their time of collaboration.

Online spaces are highly frequented by young people, with young people today being the first generation to truly grow up with social media. Research supports that social media is the first stop for news for many young people: Deloitte released research in 2022 that revealed that 51% of teens (age 14-18) get their information from social media. A recent article on Generation Z, Values & Media further details that, when exploring social media outlets, young people value authentic, peer-driven news sources—such as influencers—in a media community that is overrun by “fake news.”

In a reality where social media is such a consistent news source in day-to-day life, it is imperative we meet young people where they are to provide sexual health education and destigmatize conversations around sexual health—and what better way to do so than collaborating with young influencers themselves?

In a reality where social media is such a consistent news source in day-to-day life, it is imperative we meet young people where they are to provide sexual health education and destigmatize conversations around sexual health—and what better way to do so than collaborating with young influencers themselves? Check out these key takeaways I’ve learned over the past 2 years working with sexual health influencers to foster a vibrant online space for young people to create.

Creativity takes safety.

Safety isn’t achieved overnight; it’s built through rapport. Youth-supporting professionals must establish a foundation of creative partnerships by prioritizing the privacy of young people, respecting the confidentiality of LGBTQ+ youth, and fostering an environment that encourages open and comfortable discussions about sexual health—even if this means delaying discussions on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics until trust is established.

At the outset of our influencer campaigns, we delved into sexual health topics. However, we soon realized it was more effective to first develop their influencer skills and ensure they felt comfortable posting about a variety of subjects before tackling the more vulnerable task of destigmatizing sexual health. Transparency guides all our communications: influencers are allowed to remove posts if they no longer wish to feature them, and we encourage them to share only what they are comfortable with.

Creativity takes trust.

When working in online spaces, it takes time for young people to understand you are a trusted adult. Throughout our time working with sexual health influencers, we have explored various methods to establish trust with young people. Some things we’ve learned along the way are to promptly and fairly compensate them for their contributions (and I’m talking, immediately after they make those posts!), promote creative freedom without censorship, and adapt communication styles to meet the preferences of young people.  Something as simple as texting updates and celebrating an innovative post can go a long way.

Creativity takes knowledge.

The information shared is important, but it is equally important to share knowledge in a youth-friendly manner. We’ve worked hard to make sure our information is fun, friendly, and full of plain language while also actively researching the most up-to-date techniques in the influencer space. Sometimes, you may try to make clever influencer brief and quickly realize a young person’s suggestion of “get your safe freak on” is better than anything you could dream up—a beautiful part of the collaboration journey.

Creativity takes community.

It is important to foster community among young people you partner with. Part of this is welcoming youth partners into your organizational and project communities. Working with our larger project team, we are very intentional about integrating the influencers feedback beyond their role as an influencer. These young people have provided feedback on the youth friendliness of our advertising campaigns, clinic environments, social media, and websites; engaged in focus groups; and completed mystery shopper phone calls. We also commit to checking in with our influencers, allowing them space to give feedback on the prompts that we provide. This feedback is currently being integrated into our training design and plan for our final project year.

Creativity takes commitment.

When partnering with young people, we recognize we are supporting the next generation of change-makers. We learn a LOT from them, and we want them to be in the best position possible for success beyond our collaboration. This is why it’s important to teach young people lasting skills, so they can continue to find success long after our initial support.

As we approach the last year of our project, we are intentionally shaping our influencer brief and influencer tips to support these young people in developing their own brand and solidifying influencer techniques, so they can continue to a bright future of influencing—wherever that might be.

All of this to say, the experts on the experiences of young people are young people themselves. These points above are simply starting points in figuring out how to best cultivate creative spaces when collaborating with young people.

All of this to say, the experts on the experiences of young people are young people themselves. These points above are simply starting points in figuring out how to best cultivate creative spaces when collaborating with young people.

Would you or someone you know be a good candidate for our next cycle of sexual health influencers? Follow our Instagram to know when the application re-opens!

Learn more about the Baltimore City Health Clinics our sexual health influencers promote:

• UChoose Instagram
• Adolescent Center Instagram

Kaitlyn finds purpose in collaborating with, connecting, and encouraging like-minded people towards shared goals. From community level, youth-focused development to cross-cultural sexual health education, Kaitlyn applies an ecological lens to her work and can be heard saying, “research-informed practice scratches my brain just right.” Read more about Kaitlyn.

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