Our National Youth Advisory Council recently held the 8th Annual Fall Leadership Strategic Planning Retreat in Tampa, FL, hosted by Baker McKenzie, a longtime supporter and champion of the young leaders on our council.
At our annual Retreat, new and returning NYAC members from across the country come together to set the vision and engage in multiple days of strategic planning, policy advocacy, leadership training, team building, and pure fun to plan for our work in the movement to end youth homelessness.
Please enjoy a reflection from one of our incredible new members, William T. Woelki (he/him), a Human Development and Family Sciences doctoral student at the University of Delaware.
Originally from East Tennessee, William’s Advocacy and research focus on transition-based outcomes and housing instability among youth. He is deeply committed to amplifying the voices and perspectives of young people, particularly those impacted by systemic changes to foster meaningful change.
William Woelki’s NYAC Reflection
Reflecting on my experience at the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) retreat, I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of such a supportive and purpose-driven community. Being around other youth with lived experiences of housing instability was empowering, and the opportunity to learn from one another’s insights added depth to our conversations. This action-oriented environment allowed us to not only share our stories but to collaborate on meaningful strategies and impactful solutions. I came out of this retreat with a reaffirmed sense of purpose and drive to continue working toward solutions for my community.
The leadership team played an essential role in creating a welcoming and productive space. Their warmth, dedication, and focus on youth voice enabled us to have open discussions grounded in respect and shared purpose. One of my key takeaways was the power of youth voice and the importance of language when highlighting our strengths and resilience. The retreat reminded me of how impactful it can be when youth voices are amplified alongside clear, actionable goals.
This experience illustrates the importance of councils and gatherings like the National Youth Advisory Council in the movement to end youth homelessness. These spaces allow us to recharge, connect, and strategize, building a network of advocates driven to make change. The NYAC is unique and essential because it doesn’t just bring youth voices to the table—it allows us to lead the conversation. By placing us at the forefront, NYAC empowers us to shape the narrative and create solutions grounded in our own experiences, driving the movement forward in impactful ways.
I am extremely grateful to be a part of this program and working towards change.
