Young people – particularly youth of color and their allies – are deeply motivated to address inequities in their communities. At Youth Leadership Institute, young people realize their power by learning to use their voices to create meaningful change.
We work within coalitions and with elected officials to promote policy change that makes our communities more equitable and just for young people, especially young people of color. And it’s paying off with over 130 policy wins so far.
Change happens when conversations take place. At yli, we believe that conversations of real significance only occur when all voices are heard. And we’re here to ensure that youth voice is heard. Loud and clear.
Coachella Unincorporated former youth/now staff Olivia Rodriguez Mendez participated in a panel following the screening of Estamos Aquí (We Are Here) alongside Silvia Paz of Alianza Coachella Valley, moderated by Margarita Castaneda … Continued
San Mateo’s new VOICE program hosts a leadership panel to learn how city councilmembers, directors of nonprofits and youth leaders make decisions
The Novato Community Program held roundtables on Substance Use and Wellness Centers, where peer to peer conversations identified a lack of awareness around substance use and mental health in elementary … Continued
Jessica Mendieta (Co-Chair), Annika Parmar (Community Relations Officer) and Sammy Lee (Co-Chair) from the Marin County Youth Commission nominated for the Heart of Marin Youth Volunteer of the Year Award!
The educational zine is designed to bring awareness to the experiences of BIPOC, First Gen and LGBTQ+2 youth.
The event encourages young people to connect across the county and discuss areas of improvement in their communities as well as ways to support their peers. This year’s topics included … Continued
HOPE Coalition presents at the American Public Health Association Conference in Atlanta to share the impacts of alcohol and substances exposures on youth’s social media feed.
Since October 2023, youth in Marin Organizing for Racial Equity have been organizing walk outs from school in support of Palestine. In addition, youth have been attending the Board of … Continued
The purpose of this event was to make students aware of the space, what services it provides, and how to access it on a daily basis. They also collaborated with … Continued
Marin County Youth Commissioners volunteer with the Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and table at Marin Pride (hosted by the Spahr Center) to promote Mental Health & Wellness Resources
These include: Cole Greene, Sammy Lee, Jessica Mendieta, Walt Novosardian, Annika Parmar, Marguerite Walden-Kaufman, Roshan Belani, Xophia Cabello, Franccesca Calle La Bou, Annie Carmona, Alex Fooman, Caroline Foster,Tara Fullerton, Maya … Continued
The ‘zine highlights the internal battles Merced youth face in a world where mental health among youth is at its worst due to lack of resources.
Washington Positive Peer Pressure (WPX3), a youth group at George Washington High School, shared results of their school-based research on youth alcohol consumption to provide positive peer pressure that encourages … Continued
yli co-sponsors Queer Housing Summit with South Tower Community Land Trust and Fresno EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
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In collaboration with American Cancer Society Action Network and Madera Public Health, Mobilizing Youth to Nix Tobacco held a community forum in Madera County.
