Youth Advisory Council

The culture, challenges, and issues that youth face are always changing and evolving. We feel fortunate to have a group of young people on our Youth Advisory Council who can share guidance from a young person’s perspective to help us better support those seeking help and information about safe sexual behaviors and relationships.

Introducing Our Youth Advisory Council

When WhatsOK was launched in 2021, we knew that including the voices and experiences of youth and young adults was critical. Reaching youth with information, support, and resources about safe sexual behaviors could only be accomplished by talking to youth themselves.

So, we developed a Youth Advisory Council composed of youth who match the ages (14-21) served by WhatsOK to make sure that we were including authentic youth voices in our messaging, language, and service delivery. Our council members have provided valuable insights into the issues youth are facing, and have provided meaningful feedback about how we can best support young people reaching out with questions or concerns about sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Our Youth Advisory Council responds to questions from us through email when a new trend or topic comes up, and meets over Zoom on a quarterly basis to create a space to have deeper conversations. Council members are also invited to contribute to the WhatsOK project by writing blogs featured in our Youth Voices section.

We can’t share enough gratitude and thanks to our council members for all of their dedication and contribution to WhatsOK.

Group of five diverse youth advisory council members sitting closely together on a concrete ledge outdoors, smiling with arms around each other, during daytime with trees in the background.

Who Makes Up Our Youth Advisory Council ?

Youth joined our council for a variety of reasons. Some were recruited from a high school group focused on preventing sexual assault among peers, some were in a treatment group for problematic sexual behaviors, and we even initially had a young person incarcerated for viewing child sexual abuse material. All council members wanted to help make a difference for young people. Below we’ve gathered a few powerful statements about the experiences of those on the Youth Advisory Council.

Our Youth Advisory Council is composed of youth and young adults whose ages have ranged between 15 and 28. Members on the council have been mixed-gendered and racially diverse. Some members—who started their journey with us in high school—have been a part of this project since its beginning in 2021, and have since moved onto college or the workforce.

Youth Voices

“Joining the WhatsOK Youth Council two years ago opened my eyes to just how many young people need support and guidance when it comes to boundaries, consent, and healthy relationships. Seeing firsthand the impact of our work has been incredible—just last year, 800 young people reached out to our hotline, finding support and connection with a counselor.”
- Youth Advisory Council Member, Age 23
Youth Voices

“What makes WhatsOK so valuable is our ability to see and hear young people without judgment or bias. It’s a safe space for anyone with questions about relationships, boundaries, or problematic sexual behavior—whether they’re worried about their own actions or struggling as a victim. WhatsOK acknowledges that these questions are normal, and more importantly, that young people deserve real, honest answers.”
- Youth Advisory Council Member, Age 23
Youth Voices

“No one should have to navigate relationships and sexual education in the dark. Yet, stigma still surrounds these conversations, leaving many feeling isolated and unsure where to turn. That’s why I’m so passionate about this work—empowering individuals to ask questions, understand their boundaries, and access the support they need. If even one person finds clarity, safety, or direction because of WhatsOK, then we are making a difference.”
- Youth Advisory Council Member, Age 23
Youth Voices

“Looking back on my own teenage years, I remember feeling lost when it came to boundaries, consent, and navigating a problematic relationship. I often wished I had a safe, nonjudgmental space to turn to for guidance—something that WhatsOK now provides for so many young people.”
- Youth Advisory Council Member, Age 23
Youth Voices

“Every young person deserves access to information and support when they need it most. Through WhatsOK, we are breaking the silence, eliminating shame, and ensuring that no one has to navigate these important topics alone.”
- Youth Advisory Council Member, Age 23
Youth Voices

“Unfortunately, we live in a society that brings many stereotypes and backlash when discussing topics related to problematic sexual behaviors. I hope that with our work, it helps youth feel comfortable having those difficult conversations, in order to keep everyone safe and aware.
I am now a junior in college, and I am proud to say that four years later, the work that we do has not only broken barriers in the field, but makes me as a young adult feel hopeful that we can live in a society where we do not fear from problematic sexual behaviors, but tackle the problem head on: with smart and safe tactics and healthy conversations.”
- Youth Advisory Council Member, Age 21
Youth Voices

“When I was first invited to join the Youth Advisory Council, I was over the moon. WhatsOK doesn’t just do incredible work in educating the public—they stay on top of dangerous or sexual trends that often fly under the radar. Their confidential helpline is a vital resource for any young person grappling with questions that might feel uncomfortable or stigmatized. I feel incredibly proud and fortunate to be part of such an impactful community.”
- Youth Advisory Council Member, Age 19

Join our Youth Advisory Council!

We are currently looking to expand and diversify our Youth Advisory Council and we are actively accepting new members now! Folks must be between the ages of 14-21, and those under 18 will require guardian/parental permission in order to participate. Specifically, we are seeking youth and young adults who have struggled with their own sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and who have made a commitment to safety through professional support or safety planning to provide a voice for the largest demographic we hear from on our helpline.

Youth on the council will be asked to:

Respond to requests for feedback on age-appropriate language and concepts for youth.
Participate in discussions about what WhatsOK is learning about responding to youth more generally.
Attend virtual (zoom) council meetings, and possibly larger team meetings.

We have 2 open spots on our council that we are looking to fill, and these spots will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Participants on the council will also receive a $100 stipend at the end of the year as a thank you for their participation.

If you are interested in being a part of our Youth Advisory Council, please contact us!