Youth Rising: Nashville Students Lead the Conversation on Mental Health, Respect, and Advocacy

YWCA’s Girls Inc. Nashville Teen Advocacy Council and Girls Inc. Club members from across 10 Metro Nashville Public Schools

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 5, 2026) — On Saturday, February 28, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee was filled with young voices, thoughtful dialogue, and a shared commitment to change as 38 students from 10 Metro Nashville Public Schools gathered for Youth Rising: Mind. Body. Respect., YWCA Nashville’s 2026 Youth Advocacy Summit.

Designed as a space to get real about mental health, harassment, respect, and health education policy, the summit centered youth voice at every stage. From planning to execution, the event was shaped by the leadership of our Girls Inc. Overton High School Teen Advocacy Council. Council members selected session topics, introduced speakers, and delivered opening and closing remarks, modeling the very advocacy and confidence the summit sought to inspire.

The day began with a powerful session on mental health awareness led by Yashica Smith, MNPS School Counselor. Students explored how to identify and name emotions, practiced communication strategies, discussed coping tools for stress, and learned ways to support peers in meaningful and responsible ways. The session created a foundation of self awareness and connection that carried through the rest of the day.

Students then engaged with Vanderbilt School of Law students from the Youth Opportunity Clinic, who provided a deeper look at what is currently taught in Tennessee schools related to health education. Participants examined state policies, discussed student rights, and explored how legal frameworks shape what young people are taught about their bodies, relationships, and well being. The conversation emphasized not only awareness but also the power of informed advocacy.

Our AMEND Together team followed with a dynamic presentation on being an upstander against harassment and violence. Through interactive scenarios and discussion, students practiced what it means to interrupt harmful behavior, support peers, and foster safer school environments grounded in respect and accountability.

The summit culminated in an Advocacy Lab led by YWCA’s Social Justice Sr. Manager Delanyo Mensah and Anissa Alvarez from our Youth Services team. In small groups, students created campaign posters featuring one clear ask and one realistic action they could take within their schools. Messages ranged from increasing mental health check ins to advocating for clearer education around consent and healthy relationships. The final gallery walk allowed students to engage with each other’s ideas, reinforcing that advocacy is both personal and collective.

Youth Rising was made possible with the generous support of The Harnisch Foundation. Their investment ensures that young people in Nashville have access to spaces where they can build knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills.

At YWCA Nashville, we believe young people deserve not only information but also opportunity. Saturday’s summit was a reminder that when youth are trusted to lead, they do so with insight, courage, and clarity.

The future is not waiting. It is already rising.