HEALTHY FUTURES

OF TEXAS

Healthy Futures of Texas (HFTX) works to reduce unplanned and teen pregnancies through science-based education and advocacy efforts that empower young people, women, and families to make the best decision for their futures. The organization established a Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) where youth are educated, trained, and serve as advocates for their mission and vision.

HFTX wants to see a culture of sexual health in San Antonio, Texas. To do this, they aim to build a platform for open, honest communication about sex and sexual health, dissolve stigmas, inform the community, and ensure access to healthcare and resources. They also are invested in creating new tools to do this work, including sex education curricula and advocacy programs.

San Antonio, TX

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Active Members
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Years with TYAN

“It’s important that people of all ages work together. People have always divided groups by age, but there is much value in building and maintaining social norms and values in collaboration. Segregation by age weakens us, it doesn’t make us stronger.”

Anthony Betori – Program Director

FUNDING USAGE

  • Provide stipends for youth to encourage meeting attendance

  • Help pay the salaries of two YAC Advisors

WHY PARTNER WITH TYAN?

HTFX aims to clarify structures in their organization for to youth involvement and pave the way for greater reliance on youth voice. The TYAN partnership also offers a unique opportunity to engage staff who have been only indirectly involved with YAC previously, especially higher-level leadership.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • The Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) attended Advocacy Day 2019, where they marched up to the capitol and spoke with representatives, senators and staffers about their policy priorities. Just weeks later, HB 300 was passed with an amendment that included some of the policy priorities the council outlined in their meetings.

  • YAC implemented successful outreach and engagement campaigns at the October 2018 Art & Activism Expo and May 2019 UTTeenHealth Real Relationship Talk Expo.

  • YAC panelists spoke at The 2019 Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs national conference hosted in San Antonio.

  • Worked closely with Texas Women’s Healthcare Coalition staff to pursue policy agenda goals.

  • Implemented their first campaign in October, a digital approach to Let’s Talk Month, a month encouraging parents and young people to talk about sex and relationships.