Fresno
In 2003, the County of Fresno approached YLI to establish a local office — YLI’s first outside of the Bay Area. Since then, YLI’s Fresno office has blossomed, supporting thousands of youth to to build powerful social justice campaigns that address the unique needs of both urban and rural communities.
The office launched with new Friday Night Live chapters (FNL), working with the state-level network to address youth alcohol and drug use. Since that time, the office has grown rapidly to address a broad range of issues impacting youth and their communities. Programs like Boys and Men of Color (BMoC) focused in on empowering youth who are among the most vulnerable. Leadership programs like Youth Advocacy Leadership League (YALL) and Youth Leadership Alumni Board (YLAB) brings veteran youth leaders from across programs to develop county-wide strategies and campaigns.
In 2016, the City of Fresno’s first Youth Commission was established, and the Rural Youth Commission Advocacy is working to increase civic engagement in youth across the region. In the fall of 2018, The kNOw Youth Media joined the Fresno YLI office bringing a history of youth-led media expertise.
This powerhouse office boasts numerous claims to fame. The newly minted Fresno Youth Commission has already gained huge wins for youth jobs. In 2017, they successfully advocated for including $50,000 for city internships and created a Task Force to identify additional opportunities for youth. The SUCCESS campaign brought restorative justice to Fresno Unified School District, and FNL’s smoke-free parks campaign established new signage in the surrounding cities of Selma and Kerman.
Current Programs
Timeline of Wins in Fresno
Fresno’s Responsible Neighborhood Market Ordinance Passes 6-0
On May 2nd, after 7 years of passionate advocacy, commitment, faith, and love, City Council passed in a unanimous vote the Responsible Neighborhood Market Ordinance, which will cap the number of liquor licenses in Fresno, especially in Black and Brown communities of central and south parts of the city.
First Madera Youth Commission Sworn In
On April 3rd, 5 young people were officially sworn-in to serve on the very first term of the newly established City-Wide Youth Commission. This is an historic moment in the history of the City of Madera, demonstrating City Hall’s commitment to including youth at the decision-making table.
Yammilette G. Rodriguez Receives the 2019 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award
On February 11th it was announced that Central Valley Senior Director of Programs Yammilette Rodriguez was awarded the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. These awards, “recognize and support individuals who are advancing innovative and effective solutions to significant state issues” and provide a $250,000 investment in the work.
Selma Passes Policy for Smoke-Free Parks
Fresno County Adopts SB 190 that Reduces Juvenile Justice Fees
City Council Creates Youth Jobs Task Force
Smoke-Free Parks Kerman Passes
Fresno Boys and Men of Color Speak Up For Safe Spaces, Fresno Unified Listens
Fresno Unified adopts Safe Spaces policy for undocumented students after YLI youth speak out at school board meeting.
Tobacco-Free Parks Adopted in Kerman
Fresno Civic Engagement Task Force Includes Two Youth Seats
Fresno Business Council Reserves Seat for Fresno Youth Commission
Fresno Amends Code to Reduce Alcohol Signage in Stores
Resolution to Reduce Alcohol Saturation
Fresno Forms Youth Commission
YLI youth, staff and community partners worked tirelessly to get Fresno City Council to create the city’s first-ever youth commission.
Fresno Unified Adopts Restorative Justice Pilot Program
In June 2012, YLI’s Fresno office started facilitating a collaborative effort of several youth development organizations working to increase student attendance and achievement, entitled Students United to Create a Climate of Engagement, Support and Safety (SUCCESS). The SUCCESS team utilizes the YLI youth development, youth action research and youth advocacy frameworks to improve local school … Continued