Youth Leaders in Kansas, known more commonly around the state by its acronym, YLINK, offers an opportunity for young adults to develop community awareness and youth leadership skills during the formative ages of 12 to 18 years that address mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, behavioral health awareness. Various YLINK sites can be found in cities and small towns across Kansas. They operate with the local support and guidance of caring adult volunteers and community partners and alongside the youth's primary caregiver(s), especially parents.

YLINK provides youth with a unique learning experience while interacting with peers, supportive adults, and their communities in positive ways, which lays the foundation for successful future endeavors as they learn and explore the real world and their ability to contribute.

YLINK is a great resource for young adults with information on the importance of education and the development of individual and group leadership skills in their local community, statewide, and even nationally. The program provides an array of experiences, which includes, but is not limited to, improving family and peer relationships, community engagement, incorporating knowledge and training for employment and/or vocational education, and self-advocacy skills.

YLINK groups promote and provide programs that address mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, behavioral health awareness, youth voice, and advocacy. There are also opportunities for youth to participate in the state legislative process and learn about politics and advocacy at every level. Providing input to the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council is a prime example.

YLINK supports a youth conference annually to celebrate the successes of its local groups. National speakers join the youth, attend breakout learning sessions on multiple topics, and have a lot of fun!

For current conference information or to learn how to apply to become a YLINK group, contact the KDADS Youth Engagement Specialist at KDADS.YLINK@ks.gov.

The program is supported through grant funds from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services's Behavioral Health Services Commission.

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Opportunities to Serve

Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council (GBHSPC)

The federal government mandates that all states have a mental health service planning and advisory Council. The Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council fulfills that mandate for Kansas. The Council is made up of a cross-section of mental health consumers, family members of mental health consumers, mental health service providers, state agency staff, and private citizens. The Council is actively involved in planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and advising state government regarding Kansas’ mental health services.

If interested in serving on the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council, please reach out to KDADS.YLink@ks.gov.

Youth Advisory Board

The Youth Advisory Board provides an opportunity to represent the voice of Gen Z from all over Kansas, advocate for your generation, advise the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council, and create real and lasting change in the state of Kansas.

Requirements for Youth Members

• Must be 14 to 19 years old (eligible if high school until the end of summer after high graduation)
• Must attend bi-monthly meetings
• Must be passionate about voicing the needs of youth at the state level

This application does not guarantee a place on the Council. You will receive an e-mail confirming your application submission. If selected, you will receive another e-mail providing the next steps for your involvement in the Council.

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Contact

Questions? Please contact KDADS.YLinK@ks.gov.

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GBHSPC Youth Advisory Council Application