HAYS — Jana’s Campaign, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to preventing relationship-based violence, announces a leadership opportunity. As students prepare to return to schools, middle school, high school, and college-aged students in Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska are invited to apply to join the Regional Youth Advisory Council (YAC). This opportunity reflects a commitment to equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and capacity to build healthy relationships, promote respect, and create positive change in their communities and beyond.

It was founded by Fort Hays State University faculty members Dr. Curt Brungardt and Dr. Christie Brungardt in honor of their daughter, Jana Mackey, a passionate advocate for social justice who tragically lost her life to domestic violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008. Jana’s Campaign works to ensure her legacy lives on through education and prevention efforts. By partnering with schools, educators, community leaders, and youth, Jana’s Campaign delivers age-appropriate programming focused on healthy relationship behaviors, warning signs of violence, and strategies for creating safe, healthy communities.

In alignment with this mission, the YAC brings together like-minded youth from across the region to raise awareness of and prevent teen dating violence.

Research shows that those who participate in youth advisory councils report increased confidence, better collaborative skills, and healthier decision-making abilities.

The YAC offers the unique opportunity for students to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and make a difference in their communities. YAC members will develop their prevention and advocacy skills by creating resources, engaging in research, and participating in training to assist with program facilitation.

The deadline to apply to join the YAC is Aug. 27. For more information about Jana’s Campaign and its Regional YAC, email JanasCampaign@gmail.com. If you or someone you know is interested in making an impact, apply using the following link: https://forms.gle/sYuJyg9jBET6Yxgu5.

Past YAC activities have included assisting with the annual Bystander Intervention Training provided at Hays High School and serving as a voice for their peers by informing programming that reflects today’s dating experiences. Membership requirements include attending monthly/bi-monthly YAC meetings, enthusiastic participation, and a dedication to preventing teen dating violence. Meetings will be held in the evenings via Zoom.