Last but by no means least, Debs Corcoran returned to the stage with HAEi’s Co-Ordinator for the HAEi Youngsters’ Community (YC), Victoria Schultz Boysen. Their job, they revealed, was to say a little bit about the importance of the HAEi Youngsters’ Community and the youth advocacy program HAEi LEAP.
Debs and Victoria started by acknowledging the fantastic work of Nevena Tsutsumanova, who is instrumental in the work of the HAEi YC. At this GLW, Nevena sat in the audience, not on stage, as she’s currently on maternity leave.
Victoria highlighted key elements of the HAEi YC. There is an eight-member Youngster Advisory Group (YAG).
>> You can find out more about the YAG here
The composition of the advisory board changes over time. It is natural, especially as people grow older and ‘age out’ from the YAG.
Victoria stated the aims of the HAEi YC were:
- To be a place for young people around the world to find connection
- To be a hub of information
- To help youngsters find friends around the world
- To empower people on their HAE journey
- To share people’s uniqueness with the world
- To welcome everyone and support each other
- To show we are proud to be part of the global HAEi family
- To share stories ideas and have the opportunity to travel
- To never stop learning
The latest projects- a social media internship and podcast called “HAE Let’s Talk”- were discussed. The HAEi LEAP 2025 program was launched to the audience. For 2025, HAEi is again seeking committed future advocacy leaders to be part of their education program. LEAP provides young people with skills for life and advocacy, and partners them with their local MO to undertake a project that can support their community.
