Fresno City Council Passes the Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Ordinance
This Ordinance bans smoking in and around apartment buildings and other multi-unit housing, ensuring that youth and families are protected from second-hand smoke.
“yli makes me think of bonding and learning with folks from different cities and states, and becoming educated about some of our most pressing issues across the world. yli is truly an organization for youth and young adults.”
Brideisha Harness-Parker, Alumni
Brideisha Harness-Parker, Alumni
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.
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Merced youth pass resolution to support BIPOC LGBTQ+ community
In Fall of 2021, Merced youth successfully advocated for the city to allocate funds to support a pride center, ensuring that youth voice and input was included in the development of the center’s operations. In mid-October, they collaborated with local youth-serving partners and spearheaded the movement to ensure that ARPA funding benefits young people. In … Continued
KHMB Radio Interview yli Program Coordinators
KHMB Radio interviews Program Coordinators Rubi Salazar and Rod Spikes to uplift their Friday Night Live chapter’s campaign on alcohol prevention.
Youth lead new mental health app pilot project
[email protected] pilots new mental health app across San Mateo County based on youth recommendations.
FNL Coastside Youth Council completes social norms campaign
Young people in Friday Night Live’s Coastside Youth Council (FNLCYC) tackle the issue of underage drinking by promoting a positive narrative around not using alcohol before age 21.
yli San Mateo launches its first youth journalism program
Five high school to transitional age youth across Silicon Valley are chosen to participate in the first cohort of San Mateo County yli’s youth journalism program
Youth speak at Assemblymember Arambula’s Mental Health Town Hall
Boys & Men of Color youth speak to a panel of experts on the experience and mental hardships of young people in school during the pandemic.
Youth Mental Health Town Hall with Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula
Assemblymember Arambula hosts a Town Hall focused on mental health and the toll it took on young people as they practiced distanced learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Member Publishes Op Ed on Salton Sea
Community Member and advocate, Conchita Pozar, publishes an OpEd demanding action on the Salton Sea in The Press-Enterprise.
Long Beach community walking tours
Local youth conduct safety assessments of a highly trafficked area of Long Beach, with a focus on accessibility, maintenance and safety for youth that walk, bike or take the bus.
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.
Merced Youth Pass Policy to Protect Street Vendors
In August 2021, Merced youth successfully advocate for a policy to protect street vendors.
One yli youth selected to sit on Friday Night Live’s California Youth Council
Friday Night Live (FNL) California Youth Council selects one Fresno County youth leader to represent Fresno County at the state level.
Youth leader speaks at San Joaquin River Conservancy Press Conference and Check Presentation
Fresno Boys & Men of Color youth leader Raymart Catacutan speaks about his experiences on the San Joaquin River.
We’Ced and YRF Pass City Resolution to Secure Funding for BIPOC LGBTQ Center
On July 19, 2021, Merced’s We’Ced and Youth Revolutionary Front successfully advocated for a City resolution acknowledging violence against LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous and people of color and for funding to open a center.
Marin County Youth Commissioner Selected for Jared Huffman Summer Internship Program
First Long Beach summer program launched
For the first time, the Long Beach office established a summer program for local youth to learn about social justice issues in Long Beach.
Merced Youth Hold COVID-19 Clinic
In July, Merced youth hosted a COVID-19 clinic, giving 40 south Merced residents got their shots.
BOOF launches storytelling campaign to raise awareness of problem gambling
Betting On Our Future (BOOF) completes their storytelling campaign to raise awareness around problem gambling.
Youth speak at San Joaquin River Conservancy AB 559 Press Conference
Fresno Boys & Men of Color (BMOC) youth leader Kieshaun White and Fresno BMOC Program Manager speak at a press conference in support of AB 559.
Marin youth successfully advocate for Ethnic Studies
The Marin County Youth Commission education committee submits a resolution to the Marin County Office of Education to support the implementation of Ethnic Studies in Marin schools.
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.
VoiceWaves releases new youth-led publication
VoiceWaves publishes and begins to distribute its newest print publication, which collects stories published by our youth reporters throughout the pandemic.
Youth host townhall
YAPC hosts a youth town hall to share out about their newly published ‘zine along with findings from their community research project.
Youth publish ‘zine on healthy alternatives to drinking
YAPC publishes a ‘zine to reach young people across San Francisco to encourage healthy alternatives to drinking on top of providing resources and statistics on youth alcohol consumption.
State of Latina Teens: Virtual Youth Town Hall
Fresno County Hispañas Youth Leadership Program (HYLP) leads a statewide virtual town hall exploring solutions to the pressing issues impacting California Latina youth.
Merced Youth Pass Resolution to Recognize June as Pride Month
In June of 2021, Merced youth participated in a campaign that resulted in a City resolution to officially recognize June as Pride Month, and to have the LGBTQ+ flag flown on Main Street.
Merced Youth Secure Youth Sports Vouchers
In June of 2019, Merced youth successfully campaigned for $5,000 – and another $8,500 in June 2021 – in youth sports vouchers to cover registration and equipment fees for low-income youth.
Merced Youth Succeed in Bringing Lighting to McNamara Skate Park
In June, Merced youth spoke with elected officials and successfully advocated to allocate dollars from general fund to pay for lighting.
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.