Youth Talk United News & Stories

Talkers vs. Doers 30-Day Affirmation Journal for Female Student-Athletes: Unlock Your Inner DOER and Elevate Your Mindset On and Off the Field! Are you ready to go from talking about your goals to taking action and achieving them? Talkers vs. Doers 30-Day Affirmation Journal for Female Student-Athletes is the ultimate tool for female athletes who are determined to dominate their game, improve their mental health, and unlock the power of their mindset.

In April and May of 2024 visited 4 high schools and surveyed 136 female athletes, ages 13-18 in Jefferson County Alabama. The site visit highlighted the need to educate athletes about mental health and the potential of positive thinking. This peer-to-peer program was inspired by the conversations and a request for ongoing support. Participants self-reported their overall mental well-being. While the results were encouraging they also revealed a significant number of participants who could benefit from a more positive and empowered mindset. The program aims to improve the overall well-being of female student athletes and their success in both sports and life.

We’re conducting research to inform programming that addresses mental health concerns of athletes in Alabama. The project addresses the alarming rates of anxiety and depression among female athletes, who face disproportionately higher mental health challenges compared to their male counterparts.

We are surveying female athletes in Jefferson County to assess their understanding of mental health risks and opportunities. During our school visits we'll provide support and resources to students, and collaborate with coaches develop strategies to encourage female athletes.

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to the Woodson Center for funding our research to inform programming that addresses mental health concerns of female athletes in Alabama.

The project aims to address the alarming rates of anxiety and depression among athletes, particularly focusing on female athletes, who face disproportionately higher mental health challenges compared to their male counterparts…

In 2023 Youth Talk United Executive Director Erika Perry was asked to facilitate workshops across Birmingham City Schools for the International Youth Peace Conference and NewGen Peacebuilders.

High school students and mentors created local peace projects, became certified peacebuilders, and presented their projects at the conference in May…

We strive to provide youth and their parents with unconditional support. These organizations can also help in times of need.

This article provides positive parenting tips, warning signs of teen depression and bullying, dating violence prevention and more.

Young people today have a difficult time trying to figure out how to become adults when they are presented with a myriad of mixed messages: be pretty and popular, but don’t be promiscuous; be smart, but not too much; be yourself, but look like everyone on TV. Our youth are suffering from low self-esteem…

Birmingham Foundation Giving Out $800,000 to Local Nonprofits in Need of Help From the Pandemic

Grant money is available to area nonprofits in need help during the pandemic thanks to one local foundation. Since March, The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has given grants to 150 non profits.

Failures are lessons needed to accomplish steps on our journeys. Far too often society has told us that if we fail at something, it’s not to meant for us. I believe everything in life has a meaning and it`s up to us to seek to understand.

When a baby begins to walk, they fall numerous times, but no one tells the child it’s not meant “for you to walk”…

Erika Perry serves as Executive Director and founded Youth Talk United to provide young people with mentorship to help them feel empowered, gain self-awareness, and express their thoughts and feelings about everyday issues. Erika was accepted into the DevoCenter Changemakers program because of her dedication to providing personal development and leadership opportunities for youth.

City Councilor John Hilliard - District 9 Birmingham team started early this morning at Tuggle Elementary School with turkey giveaway #1! It warmed my heart to see so many of our young leaders from Youth Talk United serving the community! With volunteers by my side, we gave away 100 turkeys!

Discussions with Youth Talk Executive Director Erika Perry and Board Member Mike James

These videos feature engaging and insightful discussions with Youth Talk's Executive Director, Erika Perry and Board Member, Mike James. The nonprofit leaders dive deep into various topics that matter to our community. They explore a wide range of subjects, offering valuable insights and perspectives.