Looking to get youth perspective on your research? Consult the Youth Research Advisory Council (YRAC)!
What is the YRAC?
YMCA-UCSF YRAC is a group of ten San Francisco Bay Area youth (ages 14-18), who are trained on research principles and can advise study teams anywhere along the research process, including:
• Generating priority research areas for study
• Informing study design
• Interpreting study results
• Strategizing on recruitment, implementation, and dissemination
• Helping with problem-solving throughout the study implementation
YRAC feedback is especially beneficial for study teams enrolling and working with pediatric and adolescent populations. Initial consultation with the program team is free. Reach out if funding is a barrier.
How does my team attend a YRAC meeting?
The YRAC meets on the third Monday of each month from 5pm to 7pm at Buchanan YMCA (1530 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115). Our preference is for research teams to participate in person, but participating virtually is possible.
Want to know more? Check out this article.
Ready to meet with the YRAC, or have additional questions? Please email Setareh Harsamizadeh Tehrani at [email protected] .
Are you ready to start building your own youth advisory council?
Research teams can also access a free, 7-module YRAC curriculum and facilitator guides, co-developed with young people. The curriculum is designed to help research teams establish and prepare their own youth advisory boards by introducing young people to foundational research principles and equipping them to meaningfully engage in the research process.
Teams can use the curriculum as developed or adapt it to fit the needs of their own youth advisory group, research setting, and community. The facilitator guide provides additional support for leading the modules and engaging youth participants.
UCSF Youth Research Advisory Council (YRAC)
This free YRAC curriculum includes seven modules designed to prepare young people to meaningfully participate in research advisory councils. The modules build foundational knowledge and skills in medical research, research ethics, and racism in health, health equity, social drivers of health, self and community advocacy, and conflict management and resolution. Each module can be used as part of the full curriculum or adapted to meet the needs of your youth advisory group.
YRAC Curriculum & Facilitator Guides
The Youth Research Advisory Council's (YRAC) 7-module curriculum is available for free and can be used in part or in its entirety. Each module contains the curriculum slides, handouts, and a facilitator's guide. The curriculum was developed with youth from the YMCA-UCSF partnership, and with UCSF faculty, staff, and learners.
Learn about the story behind the YRAC and the UCSF-YMCA partnership that brought it to life. This article highlights the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for research to include important perspectives from young people and shares the experience of the youth and partners involved in building the program.