Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders

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About Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders

Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL) provides comprehensive support and empowerment services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Through innovative youth leadership programs, SMYAL creates meaningful opportunities for LGBTQ young people to build self-confidence, develop essential life skills, and become active agents of change within their communities. The organization specializes in youth-centered programming that combines mentorship, skill-building, and peer engagement to foster personal growth and social awareness. SMYAL's service model emphasizes youth leadership development, enabling participants to engage their peers and broader community through service initiatives and advocacy work. Committed to systemic change, the organization actively builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that address the specific needs of LGBTQ youth as they transition into adulthood. By combining direct youth services with policy advocacy, SMYAL works to create lasting improvements in the lives of LGBTQ young people in the Washington, DC region and beyond. The organization's integrated approach ensures that youth voice and leadership remain central to all programming and advocacy efforts.