Let's Lift the Voices That Lead Us
Nominate a Youth or Family Member
Youth and Family Panels serve as the heartbeat of the Partnerships for Well-Being Institute, inviting youth and families to share their personal journeys navigating complex systems like child welfare, mental health and juvenile justice. Together, they bring insight, connection, and most importantly, transformation to the Institute.
We need your help to find the voices that will lead the way forward. By nominating a youth or family member to become a panel participant, you are offering them a platform to influence change, be celebrated and help shape the direction of this year’s Institute.
Nominations are due Dec. 8, 2025.
Two Powerful Panels, One Shared Purpose
This year’s Institute will feature two distinct panels:
- Youth Panel
- Family Panel
Each panel offers a space for participants to speak candidly about what helped, what hurt and what must change. Their voices help center the reality that professionals and leaders need to hear.
Why These Panels Matter
The real-world experiences of youth and families bring critical context to our system-wide conversations. Their participation:
- Grounds policy, practice, and planning in real-world perspective.
- Promotes authentic partnership between systems and those they serve.
- Inspires innovation and compassion among professionals and providers.
- Build bridges between services and real-life impact.
When youth and families share their journey and perspective, they don't just inform the work, they shape the future.
How to Nominate a Youth or Family Panel Member
We are now accepting nominations. We encourage nominations for individuals who:
- Are family members, caregivers, or young people who have navigated any family-serving system.
- Have engaged with systems such as Child Welfare, Juvenile Probation, Behavioral Health, Mental Health, or Homelessness.
- Are interested in sharing their journey in a supportive, conference-style environment.
- Have experiences that highlight resilience, learning, and ways systems can improve.
All nominations are due by Monday, Dec. 8.
What to Include in Your Nomination
As part of your nomination, please include a brief note describing:
- Why you’re nominating them
- How their journey offers insight
- How their voice could shape the themes and goals of this year’s PWBI
This context helps our planning team curate a balanced, powerful panel.
Use this link to submit a nomination
Let’s Build This Together
We believe system change starts with real voices. Nominate someone today and help create a space where healing meets action, and where every voice can be a catalyst for change.
If you have questions or need assistance with the nomination process, email us at resourcecenter@ucdavis.edu
