This year’s annual “Serve It Up For Life CRC Memorial Tennis Event” will allocate funds to a scholarship for senior YAG members. This scholarship is meant to honor the life and legacy of Christopher Ryan Collins.
More details to follow in 2027.
At Serve It Up for Life, we believe that real change happens when communities come together to support one another. We are proud to support the work of Breaking the Silence New Mexico (BTSNM), an organization dedicated to mental health literacy and stigma reduction.
One of the most vital initiatives under the BTSNM umbrella is the Youth Advisory Group (YAG). This program is not just a volunteer opportunity; it is a platform for Albuquerque-area high school students to shape the future of mental health advocacy in their own communities.
WHAT IS THE YOUTH ADVISORY GROUP?
The Youth Advisory Group is a specialized program designed to engage high school students (ages 15–18) who are passionate about mental health and well-being. By giving youth a seat at the table, BTSNM ensures that their lessons, outreach, and advocacy efforts are directly informed by the generation they serve.
The mission is clear: promote mental health literacy, combat the stigma surrounding mental illness, and provide a creative outlet and safe space for teens.
Why Youth Voice Matters?
Being a youth-focused organization means listening to the community. BTSNM recognizes that youth are the best experts on their own experiences. By inviting students to critique programs and contribute to curriculum development, the YAG ensures that mental health support remains relevant, accessible, and impactful. YAG activities are designed to foster growth in four key areas.
Members can expect to:
- Project Development
- Outreach
- Partnership
- Advocacy.
Members are not just participants—they are contributors to the BTSNM mission.
Active members can expect to:
- Review BTSNM Lessons: Provide essential feedback on educational materials.
- Host and Participate in Community Events: Take an active role in raising awareness across Albuquerque.
- Develop Skills: Engage in fundraising, mental health workshops, and school outreach.
- Collaborate: Work on peer-led projects, help create media content, and participate in team-bonding activities.
Why Join? Benefits for Students
For students looking to make a difference, the YAG offers more than just a volunteer experience. It provides a foundational toolkit for those interested in pursuing a career in the mental health field.
Members receive:
- Service & Volunteer Hours: Essential for academic and personal growth.
- Professional Development: Letters of recommendation and foundational career skills.
- Mental Health Training: Deepen your knowledge of mental health topics in a supported environment.
- Community & Support: Connect with like-minded peers and receive mentorship.
Join the Movement
If you are a student aged 15 to 18 in the Albuquerque metro area and want to take action, we encourage you to connect with the Breaking the Silence New Mexico team. The commitment involves monthly 2-hour meetings (virtual or in-person) for at least one year, and the impact you can make is lifelong.
Visit Breaking the Silence New Mexico to learn more about the application process and how you can become a voice for change.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In New Mexico, support is also available through the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474). If there is immediate danger, call 911.
