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
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…
Parks Win!
Youth United receives news from Christopher Jensen, the director of Parks and Recreation, that park improvements were made to Flanagan park as a result of our “Decay or Merced Parks” … Continued
Youth Voices Alliance Survey
Youth Voices Alliance (YVA), the Healing Generation Center’s youth advisory board, completes the data collection phase of their first Youth Participatory Action Research project focused on identifying barriers to young … Continued
What’s in the Air? Summer Data Walk
After months of research and data analysis by Coachella Unincorporated, ECV young people were invited to participate in an indoor “data walk” to review the Youth Participatory Action Research data … Continued
Summer Leadership Training
HOPE Coalition hosts a two-day Summer Leadership Training to deepen statewide advocacy, policy, and storytelling skills.
Paajkub Ana Moua was accepted onto the Friday Night Live California Youth Council as the Fresno County Representative
Novato Community Program PSAs
Novato Community Program successfully completed their first OTS Positive Social Norms campaign. Youth developed 2 youth-targeted posters and distributed them to over 20+ local businesses located in downtown Novato. We … Continued
You Are Sacred Ends
You Are Sacred, yli’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program ends after two years of programming. Youth from the cohort led an expansive Youth Participatory Action Research project that led to the … Continued
The Price of the American Dream
The kNOw Youth Media published their Summer 2025 publication – The Price of the American Dream.
Youth United receives news that the City of Merced approves park funding to Stephen Leonard park for $380,000!
Allcove Youth Advisory Group (YAG) decides on a facility for their center!
Central Valley Summit for Economic Prosperity & Climate Justice
REP559 hosted the first Central Valley Summit for Economic Prosperity & Climate Justice, convening over 80 youth for a full day of learning on economic development, workforce, climate, and community … Continued
Central Valley Summit for Economic Prosperity & Climate Justice
REP559 hosted the first Central Valley Summit for Economic Prosperity & Climate Justice, convening over 80 youth for a full day of learning on economic development, workforce, climate, and community … Continued
Youth United
Youth United present a statement and video to Merced City Council demonstrating the decay of specific parks such as Flanagan, Merino, and Joe Herb park.
“Sit Down with Merced” Podcast
You Are Sacred, yli’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program, released a podcast interviewing youth in Merced County about what barriers they face when it comes to accessing youth mental health services … Continued
3rd Annual Latinx Graduation Celebración
yli signs on to be a co-chair and sponsor of the 3rd Annual Latinx Graduation Celebración in partnership with Education and Leadership Foundation and Fresno Unified School District. The Celebración … Continued
yli Takes On Big Tobacco at the State Capitol
Program Manager Mason Lam represented yli during Information & Education (I&E) Days at the State Capitol, organized by the American Heart Association’s Tobacco Endgame Center. Mason met with legislative staff … Continued
Tobacco Education Coalition Youth Advisory Group PSA Contest
Tobacco Education Coalition Youth Advisory Group received over 100 submissions for the PSA Contest and winners were honored at the San Mateo County Office of Education
Tobacco Education Coalition Youth Advisory Group
In partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education and the San Mateo County Tobacco Coalition, yli launched the Tobacco Education Coalition Youth Advisory Group and led the PhotoVoice … Continued
Allcove Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Hires Clinical Director
yli Celebrates Two-Year Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
yli culminated a two-year youth-led suicide prevention campaign in partnership with the Sierra Health Foundation and the statewide Never a Bother initiative. Eight youth leaders surveyed 120 peers across schools, … Continued
Davidson Middle School Club Live
Davidson Middle School Club Live completed their OTS positive social norm campaign focused on underage drinking prevention. They created two posters and distributed them to 10 youth-centered locations, developed 10 … Continued
Daly City Bay Leaders created Homes for Our Hearts zine to raise awareness about the ongoing housing crisis in the Bay Area
Mental Health Art Gallery
¡Que Madre! hosted a powerful youth-led art gallery centering healing, mental health, and resilience in the Eastern Coachella Valley.
Sana, Sana
¡Que Madre! youth launched their Spring 2025 zine where they developed content that centers youth voices and experiences, exploring the deep connections between mental health, cultural identity, and accessible spaces … Continued
Allcove Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Hosts their First Community Consortium Meeting
10 Daly City Bay Leaders received the California Seal of Engagement for their Voter Education Campaign
Mental Health Subcommittee
The Mental Health Subcommittee of the Marin County Youth Commission held their 6th annual Wellness Festival on May 18th, 2025. Youth and adult allies came together to learn about mental … Continued
Merdead Times
We’Ced Youth Media published Merdead Times, a coloring book detailing the youth’s perspectives and experiences living in Merced. Each page was hand drawn by the youth telling their stories. Readers … Continued
Youth Leader Becerra Murillo Featured on Univisión to Advocate for Mental Health
VoiceWaves youth leader Gisselle Becerra Murillo was featured in an interview with Univisión, using her bilingual skills to share information about the Never a Bother youth mental health campaign with … Continued