Madera
In 2017, Madera community leaders came together to discuss the importance of homegrown leadership and common vision alignment in the City of Madera. In partnership with Madera Unified School District, the City of Madera and United Way Fresno and Madera Counties, yli committed to elevate the youth voice through meaningful youth engagement.
In 2024, yli launched its youth coalition, Youth Across Madera, that is furthering the mission and vision of its youth advocates in Madera County. Acting as the catalyst for all programming in Madera, youth are invited to grow their advocacy and organizing skills through focusing on community issues and public awareness.
Current Programs
Past Programs
Timeline of Wins in Madera
Mobilizing Youth to Nix Tobacco hold Madera County community forum
In collaboration with American Cancer Society Action Network and Madera Public Health, Mobilizing Youth to Nix Tobacco held a community forum in Madera County.
Youth launch new club in Madera High Schools
Youth Collective members launch a club that focuses on youth-led change at Madera South High School and Madera High School.
Madera youth raise awareness around the COVID-19 vaccine
The Youth Collective created several media projects to increase awareness and access to resources to advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations in the Madera community. These include: Podcast Collective members Beto, Jaylee, … Continued
Madera youth advocate mental health excused absences
With the goal of destigmatizing mental health in Madera Unified School District, Student Voices United conducted research and advocated to add mental health as an excused absence for students. This … Continued
Madera youth lead healing circles at school
Student Voices United members lead healing circles at Madera South High School and Madera High School.
Youth leaders participate in Change Maker Training Conference
This 1 day service learning conference trains a strong cohort of Madera youth to lead action oriented mini projects within the City of Madera.
Madera youth leaders advocate for mental-health approved absences at schools
Youth leaders present data and make recommendations to Madera Unified School District to add mental health approved absences and follow up on campuses.
Madera Youth Commission creates a community resource and activity book
Madera Youth Commission creates a community resource and activity book (in English and Spanish) to spread factual and positive messages in Madera.
Madera youth train Community College staff and students about Student Advocacy Councils
The Student Advocacy Council and Madera Youth Commission train Madera Community College staff and students to implement their own Student Advocacy Council.
Madera youth host 2 virtual celebrations for youth during COVID-19
Alongside yli staff, Madera Youth Commission co-hosted 2 virtual holiday celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madera Youth Commission begins educational cooking classes
Madera Youth Commission begins a series of educational cooking classes to explore our cultural, historical and geographical relationships to food.
Land acknowledgements are added to Madera Youth Commission agendas
Madera Youth Commission places a land acknowledgement on their official meeting agendas.
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.
Madera Youth Commission is Established
The City of Madera voted unanimously to establish a Youth Commission on September 5, 2018