What YAAB Training Workshops Actually Are

Before you register for anything, it helps to know exactly what you’re signing up for. YAAB — the Youth Action Board of Tennessee — runs two broad categories of programming: skills-based workshops and leadership development events. Both are free, both are statewide, and both are rooted in the idea that young people with lived experience are the experts in the room.

Peer-Led, Not Lecture-Style

YAAB workshops are designed by young adults for young adults — that means the people leading the room have often lived through the same challenges you have. You won’t find a professor reading from a slide deck. Instead, sessions are interactive, conversation-driven, and built around real situations that transition-age youth in Tennessee actually face: navigating housing applications, understanding your rights with a landlord, building a résumé when you have gaps, or learning how to speak at a public meeting without feeling intimidated.

This peer-to-peer model is intentional. Research consistently shows that young adults are more likely to engage, retain information, and take action when the messenger shares lived experience. YAAB’s training design reflects that.

Leadership Development vs. Skills Workshops — What's the Difference?

Skills workshops tend to be shorter (2–4 hours) and focus on a single practical topic: financial literacy, renter rights, job interview prep, or connecting to mental health resources. Leadership development events are often multi-day or recurring series that build your capacity to advocate, organize, and advise decision-makers over time. Both types count as YAAB programming, and both are listed on the same events calendar. Think of skills workshops as the foundation and leadership development as the structure you build on top of it.

Who Can Attend?

YAAB events are primarily designed for young adults ages 17 to 25 who have current or past experience with homelessness, housing instability, or aging out of foster care in Tennessee. Case managers, Continuum of Care partners, and service providers sometimes attend in a support or observer capacity — check the specific event listing to confirm whether a session is youth-only or open to allies. When in doubt, reach out to your local YAAB chapter before registering.

Why These Events Matter for Your Future

It’s fair to ask: why should I take time out of my already packed schedule to attend a workshop? The short answer is that YAAB events are one of the few spaces in Tennessee built specifically to invest in you — not just to provide a service, but to grow your skills, expand your network, and give you a real seat at the table where decisions get made.

Real Skills That Open Real Doors

YAAB workshops aren’t just feel-good programming — they’re résumé-worthy experiences. Completing a YAAB leadership training series demonstrates initiative, civic engagement, and professional development to employers, scholarship committees, and college admissions offices. In a 2023 survey of youth-serving organizations nationwide, 74% of employers said they valued community leadership experience as much as or more than a part-time job when evaluating candidates under 25. Showing up to a YAAB event is showing up for your future self.

Your Voice Shapes Tennessee Policy

YAAB members don’t just attend meetings — they advise local Continuum of Care boards, testify at state legislative hearings, and help design the programs that serve thousands of young Tennesseans every year. The training events are where that pipeline starts. When you learn how to give public comment at a city council meeting or how to read a housing policy brief, you become someone decision-makers have to listen to. That’s not a small thing — that’s power, and YAAB is designed to put it in your hands.

Community and Connection Across Tennessee

One of the most consistent pieces of feedback from YAAB participants is simple: “I finally met people who get it.” Whether you’re in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or a smaller community in Upper Cumberland or Northeast Tennessee, YAAB events connect you to a statewide network of peers who share your experience and your drive. That network is practical — people share job leads, housing tips, and resource referrals — and it’s personal. Showing up once often turns into a long-term community.

Finding Events in Your Tennessee Region

Tennessee is a long state with very different communities from one end to the other. YAAB’s statewide structure means there’s programming designed for your specific region — whether you’re in a major metro like Nashville or Memphis, or in a smaller community in Northeast Tennessee or the Upper Cumberland area. Here’s how to find what’s happening near you.

The 8 YAAB Regions and What They Cover

Tennessee’s Continuum of Care system is divided into regional areas, and YAAB has a chapter in each one. Here’s a quick breakdown of the regions and their main population centers:

• TN-500 — Chattanooga / Hamilton County
• TN-501 — Memphis / Shelby County
• TN-502 — Nashville / Davidson County
• TN-503 — Knox County / Knoxville
• TN-504 — Northeast Tennessee
• TN-506 — Upper Cumberland
• TN-507 — Jackson / West Tennessee
• TN-509 — Mid-Cumberland (surrounding counties)

Each chapter runs its own local events in addition to statewide programming, so the calendar will show both regional and all-Tennessee sessions.

Using the Events Calendar to Filter by Region

The YAAB events calendar at yaabtn.org/calendar-events is your single best source for upcoming workshops and leadership events. Look for filter or tag options that let you narrow by region or event type. If the calendar doesn’t show a filter, use the event description — every listing will name the hosting chapter or indicate if it’s a statewide virtual session. Virtual events are accessible from anywhere in Tennessee, so don’t skip them just because they’re not in your city.

What If Nothing Is Scheduled Near Me?

Gaps happen — especially in smaller or more rural regions. If the calendar looks thin for your area, the best move is to contact your local YAAB chapter directly. Chapter leads often know about events that haven’t been posted publicly yet, and they can add you to a notification list so you’re the first to hear. You can find contact info for every regional chapter at yaabtn.org/local-yaabs. Another option: attend a virtual statewide event first to get connected, then advocate for more local programming — that’s literally what YAAB is built for.

Step-by-Step: How to Register for a YAAB Event

Registering for a YAAB event is straightforward, but knowing the exact steps makes it even easier — especially if it’s your first time. Here’s the full process from start to confirmation email.

Step 1 — Visit the Events Calendar

Go to yaabtn.org/calendar-events. You don’t need an account to browse. Scroll through upcoming events or use any available filters to find sessions that match your region, schedule, or topic interest. Events are typically posted 2–6 weeks in advance, so check back regularly if nothing fits your schedule right now.

Step 2 — Click the Event and Read the Full Description

Every event listing should tell you: the date and time, whether it’s in-person or virtual, the hosting YAAB chapter or region, who the event is for (youth-only vs. open to allies), what you’ll learn or do, and any materials you should bring. Read this carefully before registering — some leadership development series require you to commit to multiple sessions, and knowing that upfront saves everyone time.

Step 3 — Complete the Registration Form

Most YAAB events use a simple online registration form — typically a Google Form or a platform like Eventbrite. You’ll usually be asked for your name, contact information, your region or county, and sometimes a brief question about your interest or background. You do not need to disclose your housing status in detail to register. Some forms ask a general eligibility question (e.g., “Have you experienced housing instability?”) — a simple yes is enough. After submitting, watch your email for a confirmation and any Zoom link or address details for in-person events.

Step 4 — Prepare and Show Up

For in-person events, plan your transportation ahead of time — some chapters can connect you with bus passes or ride assistance if you ask when you register. For virtual events, test your audio and video at least 10 minutes early. Bring a notebook or have a notes app ready. Most importantly, bring your perspective — YAAB workshops are participatory, and your experience is part of what makes the room valuable.

Types of YAAB Training and What to Expect at Each

Not all YAAB events look the same — and that’s by design. Different young people need different things at different points in their journey. Here’s a breakdown of the main event types you’ll find on the calendar, so you can choose what fits where you are right now.

Advocacy and Policy Training

These sessions teach you how systems work — and how to change them. Topics include how to read a housing policy, how to give public comment at a CoC board meeting, how to write a letter to your state representative, and how to use data to back up your story. Expect a mix of presentation, small-group discussion, and practice activities. Duration: typically 3–6 hours, sometimes spread across two half-days.

Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment Workshops

These workshops cover the money skills that schools often skip: building credit from zero, understanding a lease agreement, opening a bank account without a permanent address, budgeting on an irregular income, and navigating benefits cliffs when you start earning more. Sessions are usually 2–3 hours and often include printed take-home worksheets or resource guides. No financial experience required — and no judgment about where you’re starting from.

Leadership Development Series

These are the flagship YAAB programs — multi-week cohorts that build your skills over time. A typical series runs 6–10 sessions over 2–3 months and covers everything from public speaking and meeting facilitation to coalition building and media advocacy. Graduates of leadership series often go on to serve as YAAB representatives at regional CoC meetings, present at statewide conferences, or mentor newer members. Commitment matters here: most series ask you to attend at least 80% of sessions to receive a completion certificate.

Peer Support and Wellness Events

Not every YAAB event is about policy or professional skills. Peer support gatherings, wellness workshops, and community-building events are also part of the calendar — and they matter just as much. These lower-stakes sessions are often a great first entry point if you’re not sure YAAB is for you yet. They’re also where a lot of the real relationship-building happens. Look for events tagged as “community,” “wellness,” or “peer connection” on the calendar.

What to Do If You Have Barriers to Attending

Life doesn’t pause for workshops. If you’re couch-surfing, working two jobs, or dealing with unstable housing, adding one more thing to your schedule can feel impossible. YAAB gets that — and most chapters have built-in supports to help you participate even when the logistics are hard. Here’s what to know.

Transportation Barriers

Transportation is one of the most common reasons young people miss out on opportunities — and YAAB knows it. When you register, look for a question about transportation needs or a contact email for the event organizer. Many chapters can connect you with bus passes, coordinate carpools with other attendees, or provide a small gas stipend for participants traveling from rural areas. Don’t assume there’s no help available — ask explicitly when you register or in your confirmation email reply.

Technology and Internet Access

For virtual events, you need a device and a reliable internet connection. If you don’t have either, here are some free options across Tennessee: public libraries (all Tennessee public libraries offer free Wi-Fi and computer access), McDonald’s and Starbucks locations, community centers, and many homeless service drop-in centers. Some YAAB chapters can also loan a hotspot device for the duration of a virtual series — again, ask when you register. If you’re in a region with spotty coverage, let the organizer know: they may be able to dial you in by phone instead.

Work Schedule Conflicts

YAAB tries to schedule events at times that work for working young adults — evenings and weekends are common. If a session you want to attend conflicts with your work schedule, reach out to the chapter lead. Some workshops are recorded and shared with registered participants afterward. Leadership development series sometimes offer make-up options for missed sessions. The goal is to remove barriers, not create new ones — so communicate early rather than just not showing up.

How YAAB Events Connect to the Continuum of Care

YAAB training events aren’t just professional development for their own sake — they’re the on-ramp to a real governance system that shapes housing and services for young people across Tennessee. Understanding how that system works makes the workshops feel a lot more urgent.

What the Continuum of Care Actually Is

The Continuum of Care (CoC) is the federally funded system that coordinates homeless services in a given geographic area. Tennessee has eight CoC regions, each managed by a local lead agency that receives HUD funding and oversees programs like emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. The CoC is where the big decisions get made — which programs get funded, which populations are prioritized, and what the local homeless response looks like. Most young people have no idea this system exists, let alone that they can influence it.

How YAAB Plugs You Into That System

YAAB’s training workshops are explicitly designed to prepare young adults to participate in CoC governance. After completing certain leadership trainings, YAAB members are eligible to serve as youth representatives on local CoC committees, attend Point-in-Time count planning sessions, and provide formal input on funding applications. This isn’t symbolic — CoC boards are required by HUD to demonstrate meaningful youth participation, which means your voice has structural weight. The training is what gets you ready to use it effectively.

From Workshop Attendee to Policy Advisor

The pipeline looks like this: you attend a skills workshop → you join a leadership development series → you become a YAAB member representative → you advise your regional CoC board → your input shapes programs that serve thousands of young Tennesseans. That’s not hypothetical — it’s the path that current YAAB leaders have walked. You can learn more about the advocacy work YAAB members are already doing at yaabtn.org/advocacy.

YAAB Event Types Compared at a Glance

Use this table to quickly match your current situation and goals to the right type of YAAB event. All event types are free unless otherwise noted in the specific listing.

Comparing YAAB Event Formats at a Glance

YAAB runs events in multiple formats, and choosing the right one for your situation can make the difference between showing up and burning out. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

In-Person vs. Virtual — Pros and Cons

In-person events are better for relationship-building, hands-on activities, and the kind of energy that comes from being in a room together. They’re also more accessible if you don’t have reliable internet. The tradeoff is transportation and scheduling. Virtual events remove geography as a barrier — a young adult in Cookeville can attend a Nashville-hosted training without a two-hour drive. They also tend to be recorded more often. The best approach: attend virtually to get started, then prioritize at least one in-person event per year to deepen your connections.

One-Time vs. Series — Which Is Right for You Right Now?

If your life is unpredictable right now — and for many young adults experiencing housing instability, it is — a one-time workshop is a lower-risk commitment. You get real value from a single session without worrying about missing future dates. If you’re in a more stable moment and ready to go deeper, a leadership series will give you more skills, more community, and more credibility as an advocate. There’s no wrong answer, and you can always do a one-time event first and join a series later.

How to Stay Informed About New Events

Registration windows for popular YAAB events — especially leadership development series — can fill up quickly. The young adults who consistently get into the events they want are the ones who stay plugged into YAAB’s communication channels. Here’s how to make sure you’re always in the loop.

Follow the Calendar and Set a Reminder

The YAAB events calendar is updated regularly — sometimes weekly during busy programming seasons. Make it a habit to check yaabtn.org/calendar-events every two weeks. If the calendar has an “add to calendar” or “subscribe” feature, use it so new events automatically appear in your Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. Setting a recurring phone reminder for every other Sunday to check the calendar takes about 10 seconds to set up and means you’ll never miss a registration window.

Connect with Your Local YAAB Chapter

Local chapters often communicate through group chats, social media, and email lists that aren’t always reflected on the main website calendar. Getting plugged into your regional chapter’s communication channels means you hear about events — including informal ones — before they go public. Find your chapter at yaabtn.org/local-yaabs and reach out to introduce yourself. You don’t have to be an active member to get on the list.

Follow YAAB on Social Media

YAAB Tennessee and individual regional chapters post event announcements, registration links, and reminders on social media platforms. Following the official accounts is one of the fastest ways to catch last-minute events or newly added sessions. Check the YAAB website footer or contact page for current social media handles — these change over time and the website will always have the most up-to-date links.

What Happens After the Workshop — Your Next Steps

A workshop is a beginning, not an endpoint. The real value of YAAB training events compounds over time — each session builds on the last, each connection opens a new door, and each skill you gain makes you more effective as an advocate for yourself and your peers. Here’s how to make the most of the momentum after you attend.

Apply What You Learned Right Away

The worst thing you can do after a great workshop is let the energy fade. Within 48 hours of an event, do one concrete thing with what you learned: send that email to your CoC contact, open that savings account, look up your state representative’s office, or share one resource from the session with a friend who needs it. Small immediate actions are how workshop knowledge becomes real-world skill.

Stay Connected to YAAB

Attending one event is a great start — staying connected is how you build something lasting. After your first workshop, consider joining your local YAAB chapter as a member. Membership means you get early access to events, you’re eligible for leadership roles, and your voice formally counts in regional advocacy efforts. You can learn more about what YAAB membership looks like at yaabtn.org/about-yaab.

Share the Opportunity with Your Peers

Every young adult you know who’s navigating housing instability, aging out of foster care, or just trying to figure out their next move is a potential YAAB participant. Word of mouth is genuinely the most powerful recruitment tool YAAB has — more powerful than any social media post. If a workshop changed something for you, tell someone. Forward the calendar link. Offer to go together. That’s peer leadership in action, and it starts the moment you walk out of your first event.

Ready to Register? Here's How to Take the First Step

You’ve read this far — which means you’re already thinking about getting involved. That matters. YAAB Tennessee exists because young adults with lived experience of homelessness and housing instability deserve a real seat at the table, real skills to advocate for themselves and their peers, and a real community of people who understand what they’ve been through. The workshops and leadership events on the calendar are how that starts — and it starts with you registering for one.

Start With the Calendar Today

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you register. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do with your life, have a polished résumé, or have any prior advocacy experience. All you need is a willingness to show up. Head to the YAAB events calendar right now, find the next event in your region or a statewide virtual session, and register before you close this tab. That one action is all it takes to get started.

Reach Out If You Have Questions

If you’re not sure which event is right for you, if you have questions about eligibility, or if you need help with registration, YAAB’s team is there to help. Visit yaabtn.org/contact-yaab to find the right contact for your question. You can also connect with your regional chapter directly — local chapter leads know their community and can point you toward the best first event for where you are right now. Across Tennessee, from Memphis to Kingsport, there are YAAB members and staff ready to welcome you in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a YAAB member to attend a training workshop?

No — most YAAB workshops and events are open to any young adult ages 17 to 25 in Tennessee who has experience with homelessness or housing instability, whether or not you're a formal YAAB member. Attending an event is actually one of the best ways to learn whether you want to become a member.

Are YAAB training events free?

Yes, YAAB events are free for eligible participants. Some events may offer additional supports like transportation assistance or meals — check the specific event listing or contact the hosting chapter for details.

How do I find YAAB events near me in Tennessee?

Visit yaabtn.org/calendar-events to see all upcoming events. Each listing includes the hosting region and whether the event is in-person or virtual. You can also contact your local YAAB chapter at yaabtn.org/local-yaabs to ask about upcoming events in your area.

What if I miss a session in a leadership development series?

Most YAAB leadership series ask participants to attend at least 80% of sessions to receive a completion certificate. If you miss a session, contact the event organizer as soon as possible — some series offer make-up options or share recordings with registered participants.

Do I have to share personal details about my housing situation to register?

No. Registration forms may ask a general eligibility question about whether you've experienced housing instability — a simple yes is all that's needed. You are never required to share detailed personal information about your situation to attend a YAAB event.

Can I attend YAAB events if I live in a rural part of Tennessee?

Yes. YAAB runs statewide virtual events that are accessible from anywhere in Tennessee, and regional chapters in areas like Upper Cumberland, Northeast Tennessee, and West Tennessee host local programming. If nothing is scheduled near you, reach out to your regional chapter — they can add you to a notification list and advocate for more local events.