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 120 policy wins so far.
Change happens when conversations take place. At Youth Leadership Institute, 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.
Download our 2017-2018 Annual Report!
On April 10th, in partnership with the LGBT Alliance, Girls & Womyn of Color (GWoC) pushed forward an addendum to Merced Union High School’s new Sexual Harassment Response Plan and district documents to include LGBTQ+ friendly language. The new documents will be shared with all staff and students in the coming school year.
In partnership with 99Rootz, Girls & Womyn of Color successfully advocated for a change to Merced Union High School’s regulations for graduation attire to ensure indigenous students’ rights to wear cultural regalia and adornments.
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.
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.
¡Que Madre! Media co-hosts Semana de la Mujer at Desert Mirage Highschool in Thermal, CA. The week-long event featured resources and workshops for young women on campus.
Coachella Uninc. youth filmmakers present Estamos Aquí: A Community Documentary at the California Institute for Rural Studies’ Rural Justice Summit in Merced, CA.
In January 2019, the Merced Sun-Star delivered copies of Walking our Paths to communities across the county. This is We’Ced Youth Media’s 7th such publication, featuring the stories of young people, but with a very special twist. The entire publication was produced by the young people themselves.
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.
Loughlin Browne was recognized at the annual Heart of Marin award ceremony for her outstanding service in the community of Marin.
YLI Eastern Coachella Valley opens new office in Coachella, CA. This office houses both Coachella Unincorporated and ¡Que Madre! Media.
BHC Merced awarded two ‘Cultivators of Change’ awards to YLI young people. First, We’Ced Youth Media was recognized for their part in leading the Trans Day of Remembrance + Trans & Intersex Rights March Merced which was the first ever in Merced County. Girls and Womyn of Color were also awarded the prize because of … Continued
After weeks of counting votes for an unprecedented midterm election turnout, it appears that San Mateo’s transportation tax, Measure W, has passed by a razor-thin margin. The measure will generate $80 million per year in sales tax revenue for the next 30 years to improve public transit, create safer bike and pedestrian routes, reduce traffic, … Continued
A team of Coachella Unincorporated youth filmmakers premiered Estamos Aquí: A Community Documentary in Coachella, CA.
YLI welcomed YouthWire, a cutting edge statewide youth media program, into the organization on October 1, 2018.
Girls and Womyn of Color youth and staff advocated and facilitated for the passing of several policies that will create safer conditions for students and staff at Merced Union High School District. The school board adopted the following changes: Youth will be represented on the School Board, either as appointed members or with voting rights … Continued
On Wednesday, February 28th, YLI expanded our offices for the first time in 14 years!
San Mateo youth successfully led campaign to end predatory payday lending practices in Pacifica.
Fresno Unified adopts Safe Spaces policy for undocumented students after YLI youth speak out at school board meeting.
