It’s unique for a direct service agency to be the champion of an entire bill process. NPHY, through the Movement, identifies the need for a bill, works with partners and youth to draft bill language, secures bill sponsors, introduces our bill to committees, coordinates verbal and written testimonies, and advocates to legislators and the general public throughout the process to get our bills successfully passed into law.

• NPHY was founded on policy advocacy. In 2001, NPHY championed the “Right to Shelter” law, which enabled unaccompanied minors experiencing homelessness to access life-sustaining care. The passing of this law made it possible for us to open our very first Drop-In Center to serve youth.
• As a direct service agency, we have the unique ability to identify issues affecting youth on the ground, and can then pursue policy to make needed changes.
• The laws we’ve passed have been intersectional – empowering health care workers, social workers, teachers, counselors, etc. to provide support to young people in need.
• Youth drive all levels of the Movement’s policy work. They work on crafting bill language, testifying, raising awareness, and even meet with legislators to advocate for the bills.