“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.
Filter…
Salton Sea podcast wins 3rd place from Society of Environmental Journalists
The Society of Environmental Journalists awards Senior Program Coordinator Olivia and youth leaders Rosa and Adriana THIRD PLACE for their Salton Sea podcast. The Society is well established, and gives … Continued
Youth Wellness Center to open in Merced
In 2021, yli young people demanded that the City of Merced use ARPA funding to invest in their wellness by creating a Youth Wellness Center. For the most part, their demands … Continued
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
5th Year of Supporting ECV Pride Planning
BLING grants $85,000 to 9 youth-led projects in SF
Youth journalists publish 20 pieces
Silicon Valley Community Foundation Journalism program launches first ever cohort of 10 youth, who publish a total of 20 works on yli’s blog. One of these is picked up by … 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
Video PSA launched
WPX3 launched their most recent PSA showcasing data they collected from the past academic school year.
Wellness Centers officially opened across all 4 high schools within Conejo Valley USD
YAPC own hall offers self-care resources to youth and community
Madera youth lead healing circles at school
Student Voices United members lead healing circles at Madera South High School and Madera High School.
Wellness Clubs established at SF High Schools
Based off of the YPAR cohort‘s research, young people’s mental health has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. In response to this data, our youth leaders began the … Continued
Friday Night Live youth leaders present to Assemblymember Arambula.
Friday Night Live youth leaders present their efforts to prevent youth from using alcohol to Assemblymember Arambula.
yli launches San Mateo Youth Advocates Program
yli carries out a Civic Empowerment Training Series
In partnership with Daly City Youth Health Center, yli carries out a Civic Empowerment Training Series. Youth were able to speak directly to city council leaders, advocates and school board … Continued
HOPE Coalition’s model policy aims to reduce alcohol advertisements on social media
HOPE Coalition presents a model policy that aims to reduce alcohol advertisements to youth on social media platforms to Meta (formerly known as Facebook).
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.
REP559 Launches
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 … 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.
Boys & Men of Color program closes
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.