The Elevate Program creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to increase their advocacy and leadership skills. Through a trauma-informed, health-centered and asset-based approach, youth leaders will work to effect transformative and peer-led policy, systems and environmental change in Orange County. Youth leaders work to identify healthy alternatives to suspension/expulsion related to substance use. Ultimately, LGBTQ Center OC is committed to ending the school-to-prison pipeline and transforming the pipeline to restorative justice, healing and rehabilitation through their Elevate Program. Elevate Program Goals: Reframe substance abuse as a public health issue Combat the detrimental impacts from the War on Drugs on BIPOC/LGBTQ communities Provide trauma-informed counseling and process groups at no cost Raise awareness through social media campaigns, activities, and events

Youth Empowered to Act (YETA) is a coalition of LGBTQQ and allied youth young leaders working to create safer, supportive and intersectional* spaces to engage in advocacy and social justice. Every year, this youth group organizes and leads Orange County’s only LGBTQQ youth conference, the OC LGBTQQ Youth Convening. Community events include but are not limited to: speaking at school board meetings, presenting at local youth conferences, hosting a leadership summer program, drag show fundraiser, and attend the national Creating Change Conference. This is a free group with no membership fees.