Update from ACT for Youth | February 2025


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ACT for Youth Resources

actforyouth.net is here for you


Our website is intended to be a clearinghouse for adults who care about young people's well-being. Some of the resources we, and likely you, have most relied on have recently been removed from federal websites. We hope they will be restored. In the interim, remember that actforyouth.net is here for you. Whether the topic is positive youth development, sexual health, or inclusive programming (...and more!), we will continue to seek out and connect you to high quality resources that help you support all youth.

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Adolescent Romantic Relationships

Romance in adolescence: Is it good or bad for young people? Well...yes! In this newly updated article we explore both the positive and challenging sides of romantic relationships in the teen years. We also briefly review what researchers say relationship programs can and should be doing to help youth develop healthy relationships. ACT for Youth.

Romantic Relationships

Let's Talk About Sex

Talking about sex can be uncomfortable for teens and parents alike. To help parents and caregivers feel more equipped to have these conversations, ACT for Youth created Let’s Talk About Sex (Digitally)! The guide breaks down barriers to communication, offers resources on sexual health and technology, and suggests how tech can be used to begin these conversations with young people. ACT for Youth.

Parent Guide

Research and Resources

Relationship-Rich Organizations: Supporting Structures

Relationships with caring adults are especially important for young people, and yet data routinely show that youth lack these relationships. Organizational structures can support or undermine efforts to build relationships. This brief offers data and recommendations. Search Institute.

Data Brief

My Black Health is Beautiful

Written by Black women for the Black community, these lesson plans cover topics including Black intergenerational and holistic health, reproductive anatomy and physiology, self-advocacy, and reproductive justice. This project highlights the important intersection between sexual and reproductive health, health equity, and Black maternal health. Created by several organizations (see link), published by Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey.

Lesson Plans

Spot the Flags: An Online Interactive Story

Designed for teens, this online activity allows participants to make choices and direct the outcome of the characters’ relationship. As the story progresses, they learn about healthy relationship choices, how to respect boundaries, and ways in which red flags can present themselves and affect a relationship. New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Choose Your Own Adventure

We Support Transgender Youth: Framing Guidance

The evidence is clear about the kinds of policies and support needed to help young people flourish–including transgender and nonbinary youth. This statement and framing guidance help advocates communicate the science on supporting transgender youth effectively. UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent and FrameWorks Institute.

Supporting Transgender Youth

Professional Development

Coffee Break: What is Digital Strategy Anyway?

Tech Impact

WEBINAR

Tuesday, March 5, 2025

1:00-1:30 ET

Free - Open - Registration required


"Digital strategy" is a popular buzzword, but what does it really mean for nonprofits? This webinar will break it down in practical terms, exploring how a strong digital strategy helps organizations use technology to achieve their goals.

Register: Digital Strategy

The State of Developmental Relationships

Search Institute

WEBINAR

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

2:00 ET

Free - Open - Registration required


The State of Developmental Relationships is a free, annual webinar that shares insights gathered from thousands of young people about the relationships and experiences that shape their world. Join Search Institute for a dynamic conversation on emergent trends that impact young people's well-being.

Register: State of Developmental Relationships

Empowering Young People with the Contraceptive Knowledge They Need: A Virtual Coffee Chat

Healthy Teen Network

WEBINAR

Thursday, March 13, 2025

3:00-4:00

Free - Open - Registration required


Young people involved with the child welfare system are resilient, but they need the right tools and support to thrive. Join Healthy Teen Network for a free virtual coffee chat. Katie Massey Combs, PhD, will share key findings and facilitate an informal discussion on knowledge of and access to contraceptive information and services among young people involved in the child welfare system. Register now to talk about implications for youth-supporting professionals.

Register: Contraceptive Knowledge

Helping Teens Manage Depression

Families for Depression Awareness

WEBINAR

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

7:00-8:30PM ET

Free - Open - Registration required



Is your teen withdrawing from activities they once loved? Spending more time alone in their room? Having trouble feeling joy? Parents and caring adults often feel helpless watching their teen struggle, but there are proven strategies that can make a real difference in your teen’s recovery and life beyond depression. In this webinar, you’ll learn concrete tools and techniques to help your teen manage depression effectively.

Register: Helping Teens Manage Depression

This newsletter was developed with funding provided by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive, and Sexual Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action and do not necessarily represent the views of the New York State Department of Health.