Date: Wednesday, June 24 (9:30am-3:00pm) - Thursday, June 25 (9:30am-3:45pm)

Location: Prevention First - 640 N. LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
Join the Chicago Strategic Action Council (CSAC) for a free, two-day Youth Advocacy Lab on June 24-25. Hosted by CSAC and the Praxis Institute for Positive Youth Development, participants will explore community issues, learn how systems and decisions get made, and develop advocacy skills alongside peers from across the city.

No experience needed. Just come ready to share, listen, and create!

What's included:
  • $75 per day compensation for your subject matter expertise + $10 daily transportation stipend (up to $170 total)
  • Lunch provided both days
What to know before you apply:
  • Open to rising 8th graders through rising 12th graders from anywhere in the City of Chicago
  • If under 18 years old, a parent/guardian consent form will need to be electronically completed before participation
  • Full attendance is required for both days
    • Day 1 (June 24): 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
    • Day 2 (June 25): 9:30 AM – 3:45 PM
What to expect from the Youth Advocacy Lab:

Day 1: Lived Experience, Community Realities, and Systems
  • Share your story and map your neighborhood's strengths and challenges
  • Explore the systems and decisions that shape your community
  • Dig into root causes behind what you see every day

Day 2: Solutions, Voice, and Advocacy
  • Identify the issues that matter most to you
  • Design real solutions with peers from across Chicago
  • Build and practice your message for decision-makers

Questions? Email CSAC@prevention.org.
About You

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* 1. Name

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* 2. Age

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* 3. Grade you're entering in fall 2026

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* 4. School name

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* 5. Your email address
A parent or guardian email is fine if you don't have your own.

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* 6. Your phone number
A parent or guardian phone number is fine if you don't have your own.

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* 7. Parent/guardian email address

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* 8. Parent/guardian phone number

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* 9. Home address

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* 10. Chicago neighborhood (e.g., Pilsen, Englewood, Rogers Park)

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