Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM)
The Youth Advocacy movement (YAM) of the Jamaica Family Planning Association was established in the late 1990s. YAM represents one of the most important initiatives of the Association’s 62-year history. The movement is operated by youth volunteers and focuses on the development and empowerment of young people through capacity strengthening activities.
Currently, there are two chapters, one in Kingston and the other in St. Ann.
YAM consists of youth who are trained to deliver information on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues to youth in schools, community groups and other settings. Opportunities to participate in national, regional and international advocacy activities are made available to members to provide greater experience in the work they do.
Membership in YAM is limited to persons in the 16-25 age cohort. A YAM member graduates out of the programme at the age of 25 years. At this point, they may remain as advisors to the group or advance to becoming a member of Jamaica Family Planning Association.