About Us
The Clackamas County Youth Action Board (YAB) was founded in December 2019 to assist Clackamas County Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) in bringing youth voice to the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). The YAB continues to operate and is now dedicated to supporting the County and local organizations in empowering young people and supporting youth voice and choice.
Our Vision
The Clackamas County Youth Action Board (YAB) aims to empower young people to practice self-advocacy, exercise their rights, utilize community resources, and to bring relevant youth issues and their effects to the public eye through outreach, engagement, and education. The YAB strives to lower barriers, improve accessibility, and encourages youth-serving agencies to implement equitable practices to accommodate diverse abilities and experiences.
Our Mission
The Clackamas County Youth Action Board envisions a community where youth from all backgrounds are empowered to take action and easily access appropriate and timely support services in order to set themselves up for a successful future as independent young adults. We envision a community where youth voice is heard, rights are respected, needs are met, and experiences are validated. We believe everyone has a right to achieve their goals regardless of ability, identity, or circumstances.
Everyone has a right to achieve their goals regardless of ability, identity, or circumstances.
Core
Values
Independence/Advocacy
Safety/Haven
Collaboration/Structure
Equity/Inclusivity
Transparency/Authenticity
Understanding/Supportive
Dignity/Respect
Effort/Focused
Agreements
Respect identities & experiences
Respect confidentiality
Be supportive
Practice self-care
Respect boundaries
Use “I” statements
Ask questions
Take space, make space
Trauma Informed Action
Share the story, not the novel
Avoid the gory details
Make your boundaries known
Make a commitment to continue learning about how to make each other more comfortable
Identify another person on the YAB to help advocate for you