So, what is MCCOY doing in terms of advocacy?

That's a question that has been asked since the development of the public policy and advocacy coordinator position earlier this summer. MCCOY's Board of Directors determined, through a strategic planning process, that MCCOY was in a unique position in Marion County to get involved in advocacy for positive youth development. The Early Intervention and Prevention Initiative (EIP) surveyed local youth-serving organizations and determined that, while there are advocacy efforts going on, there are some gaps that exist. The survey concluded that an organization was needed to help fill those gaps and lead coordinated advocacy efforts as well as support the existing collaborations and organizations in their efforts.

MCCOY is now conducting research through meetings with key local, state and national advocates and forming partnerships with advocacy organizations, service providers, youth and the community. We are getting involved in committees that align with our priorities and heading up the EIP Advocacy & Awareness Implementation Team. In addition to advocating for early intervention and prevention, our priorities include:

• Youth Dropout Prevention
• Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA)
• Youth Worker Professional Development

Visit our website for more information about the Early Intervention and Prevention Initiative. for more information or if you have questions, please contact Mindi Goodpaster at mindi.goodpaster@mccoyouth.org. No prior advocacy experience is necessary! We'll give you the tools that you need to become a powerful advocate for youth.