By: Tori Henderson, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates

Young people with lived experience in foster care are experts in navigating the systems designed to support them. Their experiences provide valuable insight into what is working, where systems fall short, and what needs to change. 

True Up, a Kentucky Youth Advocates initiative, centers the voices and leadership of young adults with lived experience in foster care while advancing systems change through advocacy and partnership. This summer, True Up welcomed  the inaugural cohort of Advocacy Fellows, bringing together  young adults from across the Commonwealth to build connections, strengthen leadership skills, and begin using their lived expertise to influence positive change.

To build the inaugural cohort, KYA and True Up partnered with organizations across Kentucky to identify young adults interested in advocacy and leadership.

 Community partners referred potential fellows, who then participated in an interview process to select a diverse group representing regions across the Commonwealth. Each fellow brought a unique background, perspective, and experience. What they shared was a commitment to using their lived expertise to improve opportunities for young people currently navigating foster care.

For many fellows, the retreat marked the first opportunity to meet peers from across Kentucky who shared similar lived experiences and a passion for advocacy. Throughout the weekend, they began building relationships, strengthening leadership skills, and exploring how their lived expertise can inform the policies, programs, and systems that affect children and families across the Commonwealth.

“The inaugural state-wide advocacy fellows kickoff retreat was exciting! This two day gathering provided an opportunity for relationship building, conversation with legislators, storytelling training, and deeper learning. The fellows also had a chance to share their perspectives on various foster care related topics. The conversations were important and the jumpstart for a year that will be full of wisdom and guidance from young adults who are eager to speak up and advocate for themselves and others.” -Nikki Thornton, Community Engagement Director

Throughout the retreat, fellows participated in interactive sessions designed to strengthen their confidence and advocacy skills. They explored the power of authentic storytelling, learned about Kentucky’s legislative process and the history of child welfare advocacy with Journey to Success, participated in professional development activities, and connected with state representatives Sarah Stalker and Joshua Watkins, to better understand how policy decisions are made. Each activity reinforced a central message:  lived expertise is an essential form of knowledge and that young people have an important role in shaping the policies and systems designed to support them.

One highlight of the retreat was a wall walk activity, where fellows reflected on both the challenges young people continue to experience and the changes they hope to see within Kentucky’s child welfare system. Participants identified barriers such as frequent school changes, limited preparation for adulthood, difficulty accessing resources, and not always feeling heard during important decisions. They shared thoughtful ideas for improving systems through stronger transition planning, expanded mentoring opportunities, greater awareness of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, increased educational supports, and ensuring young people have meaningful roles in decisions that affect their lives.

Advocacy requires more than knowing what needs to change. It also requires the confidence and skills to communicate ideas, build relationships, and work effectively with others. Fellows participated in professional development activities that explored workplace expectations, professional communication, and virtual meeting etiquette. These sessions helped participants explore how to navigate different professional settings while remaining authentic to who they are and will support success not only as advocates, but also in their educational and professional journeys.

While the retreat focused on developing leadership and advocacy skills, it also created something just as meaningful: connection. Fellows had the opportunity to meet peers with similar lived experiences, build supportive relationships, and recognize that they are not alone in their journeys. For young adults who may have spent much of their lives navigating systems that often felt isolating, finding a community of peers who understand their experiences can be powerful. Those connections will continue to serve as a foundation as they work together throughout the coming year.

“I enjoyed the retreat and believe it was a great experience to learn others perspectives and experiences. It was also interesting to learn about how policy shapes the actions of those working in the field and how policies directly impact the young people. It was very eye opening to learn how policies are created and how there is still work to be done to ensure everyone knows and understands the policies that have been created to help youth across Kentucky be successful.” -Hannah Prewitt

The retreat was only the beginning of the fellows’ advocacy journey. Over the coming year, they will continue developing leadership skills, building relationships with policymakers and community leaders, and using their lived expertise to advocate for meaningful improvements in Kentucky’s child welfare system. As the inaugural cohort, these young leaders are helping shape what youth-led advocacy can look like in Kentucky and creating a foundation for future generations of advocates.