VoiceWaves is a youth development program that equips young people in Long Beach between the ages of 14-24 with youth media skills, specifically through youth led action research, journalism and storytelling to uplift their stories and the stories of their respective communities. It amplifies youth voices through media publications, community partnerships, and civic engagement activities.
VoiceWaves has existed since 2011 and produces youth-led print publications and digital journalism and other stories throughout the year. VoiceWaves also runs Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts with relevant youth content and resources for the Long Beach community.
Outside of regular coverage of local issues, VoiceWaves also engages in special projects tackling specific issues. VoiceWaves participants recently published a zine about climate change, which was supported by the ClimateLB Youth Climate Action Fund.
Interested in Joining?
VoiceWaves is open to Long Beach youth between the ages of 14 to 24, regardless of your experience level with media. To join, contact Carlos Omar at comar@yli.org or fill out this Google Form.
Youth Opioid Awareness Project
In partnership with the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Harm Reduction Program, VoiceWaves is welcoming youth ages 14 to 24 to join a youth opioid prevention awareness and research project. This project will provide youth the opportunity to conduct research on youth opioid use and raise awareness about the issue through social media and printed zines.
To join, contact Carlos Omar at comar@yli.org or fill out the form and select “VoiceWaves Youth Opioid Awareness Project.”
Applications open until Friday, May, 30, 2025 at 7 p.m.
