Youth Action Squads
In 2021, the two Youth Action Squads (Racial Justice and COVID-19) released reports based on their respective topics. These reports highlighted concerns and recommendations from Iowa youth. The following report reflects a combination of recommendations from each Youth Action Squad:
Background--
In 2020, the Iowa Department of Human Rights, in partnership with the Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development, received a grant from the Forum for Youth Investment develop a new youth program. As a result, in the Fall of 2020 two Youth Action Squads (YAS) were seated and comprised youth aged 14-24 from throughout Iowa. These youth come from diverse backgrounds with lived experience and an interest in advocacy. Each Youth Action Squad was designed to empower youth by providing opportunities to expand learning and leadership skills. Each YAS focused on a topic: "Racial Justice" and "COVID-19". YAS participants learn leadership skills, conduct research to gain an in-depth understanding of issues, and create an actionable plan to address the issues in their communities or statewide.
Youth Action Squads 2020-2021
