Our Impact
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!
City Council Creates Youth Jobs Task Force
YLI Merced Office Opens
On Wednesday, February 28th, YLI expanded our offices for the first time in 14 years!
Pacifica Caps Payday Lending in City Limits
San Mateo youth successfully led campaign to end predatory payday lending practices in Pacifica.
Novato Social Host Ordinance Amended
Marin County Social Host Ordinance Expansion Passes
Smoke-Free Parks Kerman Passes
Fresno Boys and Men of Color Speak Up For Safe Spaces, Fresno Unified Listens
Fresno Unified adopts Safe Spaces policy for undocumented students after YLI youth speak out at school board meeting.
Tobacco-Free Parks Adopted in Kerman
Fresno Civic Engagement Task Force Includes Two Youth Seats
Fresno Business Council Reserves Seat for Fresno Youth Commission
Board of Supervisors Unanimously Approves Tobacco 21 Ordinance Raising Purchasing Age
Fresno Amends Code to Reduce Alcohol Signage in Stores
San Mateo City Council Pass Smoke-Free Ordinance in Multi-Unit Housing
Resolution to Reduce Alcohol Saturation
Daly City and South San Francisco Councils Pass Resolution Supporting Strong Payday Loan Regulations
City of Brisbane Amends Smoking Ordinance
Fresno Forms Youth Commission
YLI youth, staff and community partners worked tirelessly to get Fresno City Council to create the city’s first-ever youth commission.
Burlingame City Council Pass Smoke-Free Ordinance in Multi-Unit Housing
Parkway Heights Middle School Improves Packaging and Meals
San Francisco Approves Smoke-Free Ball Parks
Tobacco Retail Density Ordinance Passes
Youth leaders passed an ordinance that reduced the density of tobacco retailers in the City of San Francisco. More information can be found in the case study authored about this win: Reducing Tobacco Retail Density in San Francisco: A Case Study.