SYAC brings together youth and young adults to advise the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and other organizations serving young adults. We are a collective group who work together to find equity and to advocate for each other. We represent youth and young adults ages 16–30 with mental health needs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We believe that mental health is an aspect of character and therefore does not define us.
SYAC meetings are currently held on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 3:30–5.
The Statewide Young Adult Council (SYAC) is a subcommittee of the MA State Mental Health Planning Council (SMHPC) and serves as an advisory board to the SMHPC and DMH’s Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Initiative
What is SYAC?
SYAC…
Brings together youth, young adults, and providers to advise the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and other organizations serving young adults- ultimately creating a cohesive, supportive network of families, peers and service providers throughout the Commonwealth;
Seeks to inspire hope and recovery among youth/young adults across the state;
Empowers youth/young adult voices within DMH, young adult serving organizations, and other statewide systems across Massachusetts;
Encourages young people to advocate for themselves and to assist them in making their own choices/decisions with transitional life skills, including education, employment, housing, and healthcare;
Works together to find equity and advocate for all youth/young adults.
Who can attend SYAC meetings?
SYAC welcomes youth and young adults (ages 16–30) in MA with lived experience of mental health needs to participate in meetings! We define “lived experience” broadly. Lived experience may include having a diagnosed mental health condition, having a close family member or friend with mental health needs, being interested in learning more about mental health, or frequently serving youth and young adults with mental health needs in a professional or volunteer role. We will never ask you to prove your lived experience or disclose information you wish kept private.
When are SYAC meetings?
SYAC meetings are currently held on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 3:30-5.
Where are SYAC meetings?
SYAC meetings are currently held VIRTUALLY via Zoom. For meeting information or to be sent a calendar invite, please scan the QR code in the flyer above, visit bit.ly/syacdmh, or email youthmovema@ppal.net
Can I get paid to attend SYAC meetings?
Yes, you may be eligible for a stipend. DMH offers a stipend of $30/hour for SYAC activities. Activities may include attending the monthly SYAC meeting (90 minutes = $45), helping with ad hoc tasks, or sharing SYAC input with stakeholders. To receive a stipend, you must be ages 16-30 and not receive other payment for participating in SYAC. To learn more about stipends, attend the next SYAC meeting and ask one of the co-leaders!
