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Welcome to the
ImpACT Hub
Peacock’s Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy honors lost young lives and is a powerful call to action. The Regarding Youth ImpACT Hub aims to empower young people, parents and communities with tools and knowledge to help them thrive.
RE YOUTH
Begin Within | Stand Together | Shift the System
Peacock’s Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy honors lost young lives and is a powerful call to action. The Regarding Youth ImpACT Hub aims to empower young people, parents and communities with tools and knowledge to help them thrive.
Every Action Creates Tomorrow's Change
In 1970s Chicago, the disappearance of 33 young men exposed societal indifference, rigid gender norms, and systemic failures. The resulting shock and outrage and a determined police investigation forced a reckoning that sparked overdue change.
Decades later, too many youth still face systemic barriers, discrimination, and threats to their safety—from gun violence and online harms to housing and economic insecurity.
Youth that are LGBTQ+; Black, Indigenous, Latino, or Asian Pacific Islander; low income and/or disabled often bear the brunt of these challenges.
Together, we can make a difference for youth and build communities where every young person feels seen, supported, and safe.
What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
If you could go back and talk to yourself as a teenager, especially during the hard parts, what would you say?
What did you need to hear that no one told you? That you could be yourself and would still be loved? That it gets better? That asking for help isn't weakness?
Share what you'd tell your younger self. Because somewhere, a young person needs to hear exactly that.
Seeing the Unseen: Recognizing Today's Youth at High Risk
While taking risks is a natural part of adolescent development, youth also confront risks embedded in society. From rising housing costs to climate change, and school bullying to gun violence, youth must navigate a maze of issues while also exploring their own identity and place in the world.
Gacy's victims were unfairly dismissed as "runaways" or "troubled kids".
Today, we have the tools and resources to better recognize youth at risk, some of whom may be hiding in plain sight.
Begin Within
Risks to Youth Well-being in the 70s
Present-DAY Risks to Youth
These challenges are even more stark for youth of color due to longstanding inequities in education, employment, housing, and interactions with the justice system.
Need support from someone who understands what you’re going through?
Looking to guide safe online behaviors, or encourage youth to seek care and community?
These tools and resources will help you turn recognition into action, and isolation into connection.
This Human Rights Campaign guide answers your biggest questions about safety, rights, and how to navigate tough conversations at home, school, or online. It’s packed with tips, affirmations, and resources to help you feel empowered, and find a supportive community.
VictimConnect offers free, confidential help from trained advocates to victims of crime and abuse. You can also search their interactive maps to find local resources tailored to your needs as a young victim of crime including for tribal youth with the Tribal Resource Tool.
What You Can Do FOR YOUTH
RESOURCES FOR YOUTH: Know Your Rights, Find Safety, Get Support
Learn how adults can help create safe spaces for youth to explore and take positive risks, which are key to youth development thanks to this UCLA resource.
Empower yourself to communicate respectfully and clearly with young people, helping foster trust and connection with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Reference Guide.
These resources by the Global Boyhood Initiative help parents establish a dialogue with their kids. Teach your children to share emotions in healthy ways, accept and connect with others, stand up and speak out against bullying, and break free from stereotypes.
GLAAD’s Social Media Safety Program focuses on safer online spaces for LGBTQ people. It works to hold social media companies accountable and provides training and tips for safer social media use.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND CAREGIVERS: How to Support Youth
RESOURCES FOR YOUTH: Know Your Rights, Find Safety, Get Support
This Human Rights Campaign guide answers your biggest questions about safety, rights, and how to navigate tough conversations at home, school, or online. It’s packed with tips, affirmations, and resources to help you feel empowered, and find a supportive community.
VictimConnect offers free, confidential help from trained advocates to victims of crime and abuse. You can also search their interactive maps to find local resources tailored to your needs as a young victim of crime including for tribal youth with the Tribal Resource Tool.
This Human Rights Campaign guide answers your biggest questions about safety, rights, and how to navigate tough conversations at home, school, or online. It’s packed with tips, affirmations, and resources to help you feel empowered, and find a supportive community.
VictimConnect offers free, confidential help from trained advocates to victims of crime and abuse. You can also search their interactive maps to find local resources tailored to your needs as a young victim of crime including for tribal youth with the Tribal Resource Tool.
RESOURCES FOR YOUTH: Know Your Rights, Find Safety, Get Support
Learn how adults can help create safe spaces for youth to explore and take positive risks, which are key to youth development thanks to this UCLA resource.
Empower yourself to communicate respectfully and clearly with young people, helping foster trust and connection with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Reference Guide.
These resources by the Global Boyhood Initiative help parents establish a dialogue with their kids. Teach your children to share emotions in healthy ways, accept and connect with others, stand up and speak out against bullying, and break free from stereotypes.
GLAAD’s Social Media Safety Program focuses on safer online spaces for LGBTQ people. It works to hold social media companies accountable and provides training and tips for safer social media use.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND CAREGIVERS: How to Support Youth
Learn how adults can help create safe spaces for youth to explore and take positive risks, which are key to youth development thanks to this UCLA resource.
Empower yourself to communicate respectfully and clearly with young people, helping foster trust and connection with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Reference Guide.
These resources by the Global Boyhood Initiative help parents establish a dialogue with their kids. Teach your children to share emotions in healthy ways, accept and connect with others, stand up and speak out against bullying, and break free from stereotypes.
GLAAD’s Social Media Safety Program focuses on safer online spaces for LGBTQ people. It works to hold social media companies accountable and provides training and tips for safer social media use.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND CAREGIVERS: How to Support Youth
Stand Together
Strengthening the Circle: Building Resilient Communities
Everyday institutions like schools, families, and businesses shape young people’s lives. In turn, youth depend on parents, peers, teachers, and mentors for guidance and support.
While youth today are safer and less likely to be victims of crime or violence than in the 1970s, youth continue to confront community violence, especially in Black and Latino neighborhoods.
Connected, well-resourced communities are key to mitigation and prevention.
When schools are nurturing, neighborhoods are safe, and society is inclusive, young people are better protected from harm—and better positioned to thrive.
Gaps in Youth Community Services in the 70s
Community Services Today
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
Whether you’re a young person in need of support or a parent, teacher, or neighbor ready to step up, these resources are here to help build stronger, safer communities—one action at a time.
What You Can Do FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
RESOURCES FOR YOUTH: Building Community
Resources for Families, Educators, and Communities: Create Safe & Inclusive Spaces
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or needs a safe place to go, Covenant House offers housing, food, and support in 25 cities across the U.S.
Everyone wants to be seen and heard when they are struggling, especially by someone who “gets it."
Peer support offers a powerful way to transform your lived experience into hope and practical support for others. Whether you choose a volunteer role or professional career path, your unique perspective can make a profound difference in someone else’s recovery journey.
The Trevor Project offers free online training to empower you to effectively support LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
Equimundo’s guide empowers teachers, facilitators, coaches, and health workers to encourage positive models of masculinity and help young people live in communities free of inequalities, discrimination, and violence.
Access free courses via Equimundo on how gender norms impact children. These resources have been constructed by gender and education experts to strengthen the capabilities of educators and administration.
Help youth thrive by creating structured, engaging environments after school. This toolkit by the Afterschool Alliance guides you through every step.
RESOURCES FOR YOUTH: Building Community
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or needs a safe place to go, Covenant House offers housing, food, and support in 25 cities across the U.S.
Everyone wants to be seen and heard when they are struggling. Often that means by someone who just “gets it."
Peer support offers a powerful way to transform your lived experience into hope and practical support for others. Whether you choose a volunteer role or professional career path, your unique perspective can make a profound difference in someone else’s recovery journey.
RESOURCES FOR YOUTH: Building Community
Resources for Families, Educators, and Communities: Create Safe & Inclusive Spaces
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or needs a safe place to go, Covenant House offers housing, food, and support in 25 cities across the U.S.
To build self-confidence and community, young people can reach out and support each other. This also improves academic success and resilience. Learn about Youth MOVE National’s peer support program.
The Trevor Project offers free online training to empower you to effectively support LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
Equimundo’s guide empowers teachers, facilitators, coaches, and health workers to encourage positive models of masculinity and help young people live in communities free of inequalities, discrimination, and violence.
Access free courses via Equimundo on how gender norms impact children. These resources have been constructed by gender and education experts to strengthen the capabilities of educators and administration.
Help youth thrive by creating structured, engaging environments after school. This toolkit by the Afterschool Alliance guides you through every step.
Resources for Families, Educators, and Communities: Create Safe & Inclusive Spaces
The Trevor Project offers free online training to empower you to effectively support LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
Equimundo’s guide empowers teachers, facilitators, coaches, and health workers to encourage positive models of masculinity and help young people live in communities free of inequalities, discrimination, and violence.
Access free courses via Equimundo on how gender norms impact children. These resources have been constructed by gender and education experts to strengthen the capabilities of educators and administration.
Help youth thrive by creating structured, engaging environments after school. This toolkit by the Afterschool Alliance guides you through every step.
Shift the System
Moving from Indifference to Action: Reimagining the System
Society and politics are key factors in youth well-being.
The victims of John Wayne Gacy were not only harmed by one man, but by a society that struggled to protect its most vulnerable. These challenges led to necessary change.
Rob Piest’s family lobbied for focused police attention while Sam Amirante authored the Missing Child Recovery Act of 1984, which laid the foundation for future coordinated national responses.
That legacy continues today. To protect youth at high risk from rising threats, we must push for bold, coordinated action through policy, organizing, and advocacy.
The 1970s: When the System Looked Away
Today: Our Systems are Still a Work in Progress
What You Can Do to change the system
Change doesn't happen on its own; it happens when people speak up.
Contact lawmakers, advocate for youth protections, and make your voice heard at the local, state, and national level.
Learn ABOUT AND TAKE Action on Youth-Related Bills
Learn ABOUT and Take Action on LGBTQ+ RELATED Bills
This bipartisan bill provides federal funding for teen mental health initiatives, including student-led peer education programs in middle and high schools. It empowers youth to support one another and builds stronger mental health infrastructure in schools.
This legislation provides housing, education, and employment services for unhoused youth, helping prevent trafficking and exploitation while supporting long-term stability. Show your support by contacting your representatives through the National Network for Youth.
This bill allows students who are homeless or have experienced homelessness to secure housing supported by low-income housing tax credits, creating access to safe, affordable places to live.
Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act
This act strengthens anti-human trafficking programs across the federal government, prevents exploitation of children abroad and promotes anti-trafficking strategies including training for instructors and students.
Read about Efforts to Prevent Trafficking
This bill would require tech and media platforms to create safer online experiences for children and teens, reducing exposure to harmful content and prioritizing their mental health.
These federal bills aim to grow afterschool and peer-to-peer support systems in schools, offering meaningful, personal support networks for youth of all ages.
Learn about After School Program Legislation
Learn how to contact your elected officials and support the Equality Act, a federal bill that would ensure protections for LGBTQ+ youth in education, housing, and beyond with GLSEN. Seventy-five percent of Americans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
Cuts to Medicaid could devastate access to youth mental health and violence prevention services. Use this pre-written letter by Futures Without Violence to urge your representatives to protect essential care.
Reach out to your representatives and share your support for legislation protecting the rights and wellbeing of LGTBQ+ and youth.
Learn ABOUT AND TAKE Action on Youth-Related Bills
This bipartisan bill provides federal funding for teen mental health initiatives, including student-led peer education programs in middle and high schools. It empowers youth to support one another and builds stronger mental health infrastructure in schools.
This legislation provides housing, education, and employment services for unhoused youth, helping prevent trafficking and exploitation while supporting long-term stability. Show your support by contacting your representatives through the National Network for Youth.
This bill allows students who are homeless or have experienced homelessness to secure housing supported by low-income housing tax credits, creating access to safe, affordable places to live.
Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act
This act strengthens anti-human trafficking programs across the federal government, prevents exploitation of children abroad and promotes anti-trafficking strategies including training for instructors and students.
Read about Efforts to Prevent Trafficking
This bill would require tech and media platforms to create safer online experiences for children and teens, reducing exposure to harmful content and prioritizing their mental health.
These federal bills aim to grow afterschool and peer-to-peer support systems in schools, offering meaningful, personal support networks for youth of all ages.
Learn about After School Program Legislation
Learn ABOUT AND Action on Youth-Related Bills
Learn ABOUT and Take Action on LGBTQ+ RELATED Bills
This bipartisan bill provides federal funding for teen mental health initiatives, including student-led peer education programs in middle and high schools. It empowers youth to support one another and builds stronger mental health infrastructure in schools.
This legislation provides housing, education, and employment services for unhoused youth, helping prevent trafficking and exploitation while supporting long-term stability. Show your support by contacting your representatives through the National Network for Youth.
This bill allows students who are homeless or have experienced homelessness to secure housing supported by low-income housing tax credits, creating access to safe, affordable places to live.
Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act
This act strengthens anti-human trafficking programs across the federal government, prevents exploitation of children abroad and promotes anti-trafficking strategies including training for instructors and students.
Read about Efforts to Prevent Trafficking
This bill would require tech and media platforms to create safer online experiences for children and teens, reducing exposure to harmful content and prioritizing their mental health.
These federal bills aim to grow afterschool and peer-to-peer support systems in schools, offering meaningful, personal support networks for youth of all ages.
Learn about After School Program Legislation
Learn how to contact your elected officials and support the Equality Act, a federal bill that would ensure protections for LGBTQ+ youth in education, housing, and beyond with GLSEN. Seventy-five percent of Americans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
Cuts to Medicaid could devastate access to youth mental health and violence prevention services. Use this pre-written letter by Futures Without Violence to urge your representatives to protect essential care.
Reach out to your representatives and share your support for legislation protecting the rights and wellbeing of LGTBQ+ and youth.
Learn ABOUT and Take Action on LGBTQ+ RELATED Bills
Learn how to contact your elected officials and support the Equality Act, a federal bill that would ensure protections for LGBTQ+ youth in education, housing, and beyond with GLSEN. Seventy-five percent of Americans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
Cuts to Medicaid could devastate access to youth mental health and violence prevention services. Use this pre-written letter by Futures Without Violence to urge your representatives to protect essential care.
Reach out to your representatives and share your support for legislation protecting the rights and wellbeing of LGTBQ+ and youth.
Your Impact Starts Now
When we spotlight the unseen struggles of youth, strengthen the circles of care around them, and speak out for policies that protect and uplift them, then we can initiate broad transformation.
The question isn’t whether you’ll encounter a young person in need.
You already have.
The question is: will you be the one who sees them, stands with them, and helps shift the tide?
struggling? GET HELP NOW
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Text 'HOPE' to 64673
Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line
Text 741741
Report a Missing Child
First contact your local law enforcement
Call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
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