Presented by The Metamorphosis Movement in Partnership with Youth Infusion

What is MindShare?

MindShare creates a safe, empowering space for young people who’ve had challenging experiences with systems - whether that’s mental health, child welfare, schools, or juvenile justice. Instead of being defined by what’s “wrong,” youth are supported to discover what’s strong in them. It’s about shifting from power over to power with.

We work through a simple but powerful framework: Share, Learn, Act. Youth-led teams meet to share their experiences safely, learn through storytelling and systems education, and act by practicing advocacy and leadership. MindShare is a place of connection, healing, and the growth of new leaders.

MindShare is not a clinical program. It is a community for youth who understand mental health from the inside and want real connection with others who get it.

Why MindShare Matters

Young people who have been through crisis, child welfare involvement, juvenile justice contact, school discipline, residential or hospital stays often feel unseen. MindShare helps youth step out of survival mode and into a space where their experiences are valued. Here, lived experience becomes insight and insight becomes influence.

MindShare is a Pathway to the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YLAB) Program

MindShare is the perfect starting point for youth who want to grow into the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YLAB) Program.

MindShare builds early skills in:

• speaking about your experiences in your own voice
• understanding how systems make decisions
• shaping ideas into solutions
• learning how advocacy and youth leadership works

Youth who complete MindShare are encouraged to step into YLAB when they feel ready to advocate and lead at a higher level within the community.

Who Can Join? 

Youth ages 14 to 21 who:

• have personal experience with mental health challenges
• have touched PA’s child serving systems (child welfare, juvenile justice, inpatient, residential, partial, school discipline, mobile crisis, wraparound or similar)
• want to make change for others coming after them
• want a safe place where honesty is welcome

No diagnosis or paperwork needed.

What Youth Gain

• peer connection
• a chance to share your story without judgment
• leadership and advocacy skills
• opportunities to take part in projects, committees, and community work
• a pathway into YLAB for those who want to go deeper
• a sense of belonging and purpose