Massachusetts peer leadership network: A collaborative model of engaging multiple peer leadership programs around the state

The Peer Leadership Network (PLN), funded by Health Resources in Action (HRiA) and managed by a Youth Leadership Board (YLB), convenes 100 youth peer leaders in Massachusetts who work in programs focused on different public health topics. In response to community demand, the Massachusetts PLN was created for peer leaders to share best practices, learn about other programs and be trained on a public health topic. With youth at the forefront, the PLN hosted regional gatherings, a culminating statewide peer leadership conference and developed the first statewide peer leadership directory. In 2010, various peer leadership groups across the state requested further networking opportunities to facilitate and encourage long lasting connections for their youth to continue public health work in their communities and beyond. In 2012, the PLN evolved from a once-a-year peer leadership conference to a program that offered five smaller networking events, one culminating statewide peer leadership conference and the first statewide peer leadership directory. The goals of PLN are to: 1) maximize the potential of youth to develop skills, learn and create positive change in their communities; 2) build alliances and networks among peer leaders throughout the state so they can support one another and collaborate; 3) expose youth to a variety of programs to grow social capital and leadership opportunities 4) and facilitate networking by developing a statewide peer leadership directory.

This session will provide lessons learned on how to effectively and creatively engage youth peer leaders in public health efforts statewide.