Youth Advisory Council Leaders Promote Online Safety for Their Peers
The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) leaders, in partnership with Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center (TBCAC) and the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund, have launched their official #MakingNoise campaign video, following their video teaser this past February. The social media video campaign, #MakingNoise is aimed at helping youth learn about cyber-bullying, predators, and other online dangers as well as how to avoid them.
“Online threats is a topic most adults either don’t know about or avoid talking about, which is why the insight of these teen leaders who serve on the Community Foundation’s YAC is so helpful. They’ve approached this topic with creativity in both their messaging and dissemination,” said Ginger Kadlec,TBCAC Executive Director. “After all, teens are more apt to listen to their peers than adults!”
The Community Foundation’s YAC involves youth in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties in philanthropy, volunteerism, and community leadership.
"When issues impact youth, it's critical to bring youth voices to the table," said Gina Thornbury, Community Foundation Program and Grants Manager. "That’s why our YAC's collaboration with TBCAC is so important - it gives our youth the chance to help raise awareness about the issue of child abuse in our community and also be part of the solution."
The YAC leadership team encourages fellow youth and community members to share its “#MakingNoise for Online Safety” video so that the campaign can have a far-reaching impact within and beyond the five-county region. The #MakingNoise video is now available on YouTube. Follow the TBCAC on Facebook and Instagram and the Community Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.