While the word “radical” carries a connotation of being extreme, unstable, or controversial, it actually describes the building of foundations. Change is the only constant in nature, and it is a continuous process. It is in this sense that youth leadership is radical — young people help society adapt to the continual forces of change.
Where are you going to school? What are you going to study? These are the most common questions youth get asked during their senior year of high school.
They never even ask what my plans actually are.
I’ve been told I walk around with stiff shoulders and a hurried look on my face. I think it’s because of where I live.
Let me explain…
I always shared the reality of my life as an undocumented immigrant from the bottom of my heart, and in doing so, I gained understanding of the value of my voice. But, with the ICE raids in the back of my head, I began to realize that sharing this experience could have consequences.
I started at YLI over 8 years ago. As a Program Coordinator, I worked with LGBTQ young people in Marin County to create safe spaces in schools through policy change. I knew then, like I know now, that this organization’s approach to change was something I wanted to be a part of – and that … Continued
I was born in Chilpancingo, the capital of the state of Guerrero, México on a clear Saturday afternoon in October. But the story of my birth begins on Thursday, when my mom started having contractions and thought she was ready to give birth.
I had always wanted a grand, meaningful story behind my naming. But the simplicity and mystery in this story has given me the freedom to write my own story.
In the process of building with my YLI group, I started to realize how important it is for the community to know about the issues – to be aware of what is going on around them. They need to know what exactly city council is deciding for us, the overall community. In order to raise awareness, we’re planning the Housing, Immigration, and Substance Abuse (H.I.S.) Freedom Gallery Exhibit to take place on June 7th at Pilarcitos High School.
