The Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) is a voluntary youth-led advocacy programme and training organisation addressing a range of issues related to development. JYAN's mission is to develop, empower and sustain a cadre of youth advocates to lobby for change on behalf of young people by promoting positive behaviours; teaching techniques of positive advocacy; advising and guiding policies affect
ing them and building their capacity in Jamaica, the Caribbean and beyond. The Advocacy Training Workshop brought together approximately 40 young persons from youth serving organisation, youth clubs, church and community groups, including youths from some of the most volatile communities in Jamaica. At the end of the workshop the participants decided that they would move forward under the name - The Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN). Since August 2006 the Network has developed two proposals for behaviour change communication projects addressing violence, and the need for comprehensive sexuality education in Jamaican High Schools. The network has also collaborated with a number of organizations to advocate for the rights of young people in Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world. These include the UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS 2006), International AIDS Conference in Toronto, and the Women Deliver Conference in 2007. Network members serve as youth educators, youth facilitators, youth advocates, and spokespeople on number of issues affecting young people.
