MTA PUBLIC POLICY
The mission of the Policy/Advocacy Department is to further the goals of Metro TeenaAIDS by adding elements of grassroots advocacy to both the at-risk communities of Washington, DC (particularly Wards 5, 6, 7 &8) and the DC Council. This includes the writing of policy briefs, conducting research as well as engaging youth and several different communities and coalitions within the city.
The Policy/Advocacy Department has four primary goals:
- Spearhead the fight against HIV/AIDS among District youth. MTA will foster and expand partnerships within the local DC community.
- Improve integration and engagement of youth in local advocacy efforts.
- Ensure comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education is embedded within health education curricula and sustainable over time.
- Serve as an information broker to community stakeholders, government officials and policy makers.
Events:
Earlier this year, MTA’s Policy/Advocacy Department was pleased to host Youth Advocacy Day at the Woodrow Wilson Building. Ten of our peer educators from four MTA outreach teams (YWOC, STIGMA, REALTALK and StreeTeam) were able to participate and meet with staff from Councilmembers’ offices. Our youth shared their stories with Council staff to advocate on behalf of protecting and preserving youth HIV/AIDS prevention and program funds in the FY 2013 budget. Staff members listened intently as our peer educators relayed the message about the importance of funding for youth HIV/AIDS initiatives. Our peer educators were passionate and enthusiastic, making Youth Advocacy Day a huge success.
For more information about MTA’s Public Policy Department, please contact Geetha Ananthakrishnan at [email protected] or 202.543.8246.
