by Daphnie Toussaint, YAB President
In a world filled with challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or question whether change is truly possible. However, my experience with the Charlotte County Youth Action Board (YAB) has shown me that progress is not only possible - it’s happening! The fact that young people are doing the same or similar work in their communities, as we are doing in ours, and sharing the same passion, gives me hope that we are one step closer to changing the world.
Over the last few years, my work with the YAB has allowed me incredible opportunities to build personal and professional relationships with other board members, community service providers, and leaders from Florida and around the country. These connections go beyond shared goals; they are partnerships built on mutual respect, support, and a genuine desire to make lasting impacts in the world. It is inspiring to have opportunities to collaborate with people who understand the power of our youth and are committed to enhancing the lives of others, especially the lives of young people.
I am deeply grateful for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained—and continue to gain—through my commitment to this work. I have learned innovative strategies to engage more effectively with our local school board and developed creative approaches to inspire youth participation in both local and national initiatives. These lessons have equipped me with the tools to be a more impactful leader, driving meaningful changes in our community and, ultimately, across the nation.
One of the most unforgettable experiences of my journey was my recent trip to Washington, D.C., as a member of the National Youth AdvisoryGroup—a distinguished team of young leaders selected by Virginia Commonwealth University and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) to provide vital input into USICH’s Youth Initiative. I was inspired by the incredible diversity in the room, with young leaders from across the globe, including places as far as Alaska, coming together. It was a powerful reminder that, despite our unique challenges, we are united by a shared commitment to creating positive change. This experience has been truly life-changing—not only for the knowledge I’ve gained but also for the remarkable people I’ve had the privilege to meet along the way.
The Charlotte County Youth Action Board has shown me the strength of collective effort and the beauty of shared passion. Together, we are not just dreaming of a better world—we are actively building it, one step at a time. I carry this experience with me as a reminder of what’s possible when young people stand together, determined to make a difference. For anyone out there wondering if their voice matters: it does. YOU MATTER! And with every action we take, we bring our community and the world closer to the change we hope to see.
