Florida Youth SHINE

09/10/2026

Florida Youth SHINE were in action today, presenting a powerful presentation on the importance of sharing stories of their time in foster care to educate people on issues impacting youth. FYS member Tee Lamore led the impactful FYS panel. Cheers to the power of youth voices!

09/10/2026

Shout out to MARIA BATISTA, our fabulous FYS Statewide Coordinator, who just received the “Experience to Impact” award at the DCF Summit. Way to go, Maria!!!

09/01/2026

FYIA Folks!! You're invited to our Quarterly Network Meeting THIS FRIDAY!

Details ℹ
Meet the young leaders of FYIA and learn what they have been working on. We'd also love to hear what your organization has been working on!

When: September 4, 2026
Time: 1:00p.m. PT | 2;00p.m. MT | 4:00p.m. ET
Where: Register on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4UpzrOxuT-u30BYScaBrXg?_x_zm_rtaid=sbf0JeIRRzqqa9QrhIOfeQ.1787334680654.92f49b3eb897a307f82b07e1815e9e51&_x_zm_rhtaid=566 #/registration

09/01/2026

"My past doesn't define who I am. It's something I had to go through to help guide me and lead me to where I am now." — Michael 💙

When 13-year-old Michael walked into his first Brevard Youth Leadership Council (BYLC) meeting, he didn't know what to expect, or if he even belonged.

The turning point wasn't a workshop or a presentation. It was something much simpler: another youth named John recognized him, welcomed him in, and made him feel like he had a place at the table.

That single moment of connection opened the door to four years of growth, peer support, and advocacy.

Today, Michael isn't just participating, he's leading. He's traveled to Tallahassee to speak directly with state senators, bringing the real-world experiences of youth in foster care straight to decision-makers. 🏛️✨

As Michael prepares for adulthood, his mission is clear: "I want to advocate for youth in ways that I wasn't able to advocate for myself... to let them know they have a safe environment they can always come back to."

At Smile Forward, we believe every young person has the potential to lead when they are given connection, acceptance, and a platform to be heard.

📖 Read Michael’s full journey and learn how lived experience is becoming leadership.

08/31/2026

It’s been a busy Summer with FYS!
Check out what we’ve been up to and what’s to come!!

08/18/2026

Hi FYS!

Today is the day to vote in your local Primary Election! Use the link below to find your polling location
https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/check-your-voter-status-and-polling-place/voter-precinct-lookup/

Your Voice. Your Future. Your Choice.

Are you eligible to vote?

Now is the perfect time to make sure you’re registered! Whether it’s your first election or you’ve voted before, taking a minute to check your registration helps you be prepared.

- Check your voter registration.
- Know the registration deadline.
- Make a plan for Election Day.

Every voice has the opportunity to make a difference! Link in bio to register and request a sample ballot!

08/11/2026

🌟 Join us for All Rise! A Night of Power, Purpose & Possibility 🌟

Crossroads For Florida Kids, in partnership with Madi's Movement and Florida Youth SHINE, invites you to an unforgettable evening featuring:

⚖️ Professor Joseline Hardrick, Esq. — bringing legal rights to life through rhythm and story.

🏈 Brian Tyms M.S., J.D. — former foster youth turned NFL Super Bowl Champion, sharing his powerful journey.

Enjoy dinner and an evening of honest conversation about what foster youth face. You'll leave informed, energized, and inspired.

CLE credit (1.0 General and 0.5 Professionalism).

RSVP using the link or QR code below. We hope to see you there!

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4bk7t28

08/06/2026

Our 2027 Legislative Priority Survey is officially LIVE! This is your chance to help decide what issue Florida Youth SHINE will advocate for during the 2027 legislative session.

Take the survey by August 16: https://forms.gle/enZHAaHXU26qj7dQ8

Youth (ages 13–26 with lived experience in foster care or homelessness): Complete the survey and share it with your peers! They do not have to be a current FYS member.

Chapter Challenge: The chapter that receives the most youth survey responses will win $300 to support chapter meetings, youth incentives, quarterly meeting registration, or other chapter needs. Be sure participants select the chapter they’re representing!

Every voice matters! Let’s make sure youth across Florida are heard! 💙

08/06/2026

📣 Your Voice. Your Future. Your Chance to Make a Difference.

The Florida Youth SHINE 2027 Legislative Priority Survey is now open, and we want to hear from YOU!

If you're 13–26 years old and have lived experience in foster care or homelessness, this is your opportunity to help shape Florida Youth SHINE's legislative priorities for 2027.

Your experiences matter, and your voice can help influence the issues we take to lawmakers during the upcoming legislative session.

**The survey is open through August 16.

👉 Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/enZHAaHXU26qj7dQ8 or scan the QR code.

💙 Represent the Jacksonville Chapter! Be sure to select the Jacksonville Chapter when completing the survey. The chapter with the most youth responses will receive a $300 prize to support chapter meetings, youth activities, and more!

Already completed the survey? Share it with your friends! You do not have to be a current Florida Youth SHINE member to participate—just have lived experience in foster care or homelessness.

Together, let's make sure the voices of Northeast Florida youth are heard loud and clear!

08/03/2026

Your Voice. Your Future. Your Choice.

Are you eligible to vote?

Now is the perfect time to make sure you’re registered! Whether it’s your first election or you’ve voted before, taking a minute to check your registration helps you be prepared.

- Check your voter registration.
- Know the registration deadline.
- Make a plan for Election Day.

Every voice has the opportunity to make a difference! Link in bio to register and request a sample ballot!