THE MOVEMENT

ACCEPT is a movement of youth and young adults who connect to educate, advocate, and grow youth voice in Texas. 

 OUR MISSION 

 Allies Cultivating Change by Empowering Positive Transformation.

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OUR VISION

Transforming systems to better serve youth by supporting partnerships between youth, young adults, and organizations.

OUR VALUES

RESPECT

Appreciate all experiences, backgrounds, and expertise youth and young adults advocates bring to the work we do.

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EDUCATION

Inform and train key stakeholders, communities, and individuals on the value of authentic youth engagement.

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AUTHENTICITY

Maintain the highest regard for youth voice, and use it to inform and drive our work.

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CONNECTION

Develop a medium for communication and action, and ensure it is a reflection of authentic youth engagement.

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HONOR

Recognize the important contributions youth and young adults can make in their communities.

OUR HISTORY

ACCEPT (Allies Cultivating Change by Empowering Positive Transformation) began in 2013 when the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded a System of Care expansion grant to Texas. This grant included a commitment to grow youth and young adult voice across the state. As part of these efforts, several youth and young adults began to envision the idea of a statewide group of youth and young adults that advocate for the issues important to young people and provide training to organizations on how to better engage youth. In the first few years, ACCEPT created mission and vision statements, a list of values, and worked with a designer to create a logo. 

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In the summer of 2016, ACCEPT became a statewide chapter of Youth M.O.V.E National. Youth M.O.V.E is a youth led national orgaization devoted to improving services and systems that support positive growth and development by uniting the voices of individuals who have lived experience.

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Today, ACCEPT consists of a strong core group of youth and young adult leaders from across Texas.  While each member has unique lived experience and passions, ACCEPT is held together in its commitment to authentic            youth voice.