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.
Transform Fresno Youth Leadership Development Program Youth leaders co-facilitate a workshop at the 2nd Annual Transform Fresno Summit. The purpose of the Program is to nurture creative project ideas and … Continued
The English Learner Storytelling Project is designed for English Learners in Fresno Unified School District to share their experiences as EL students in FUSD – the good and the bad. … Continued
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 presents a model policy that aims to reduce alcohol advertisements to youth on social media platforms to Meta (formerly known as Facebook).
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.
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 interviews Program Coordinators Rubi Salazar and Rod Spikes to uplift their Friday Night Live chapter’s campaign on alcohol prevention.
Help@Hand pilots new mental health app across San Mateo County based on youth recommendations.
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.
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
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.
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 and advocate, Conchita Pozar, publishes an OpEd demanding action on the Salton Sea in The Press-Enterprise.
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.
This 1 day service learning conference trains a strong cohort of Madera youth to lead action oriented mini projects within the City of Madera.
In August 2021, Merced youth successfully advocate for a policy to protect street vendors.
Friday Night Live (FNL) California Youth Council selects one Fresno County youth leader to represent Fresno County at the state level.
View and download the ‘zine here!
Fresno Boys & Men of Color youth leader Raymart Catacutan speaks about his experiences on the San Joaquin River.
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.
For the first time, the Long Beach office established a summer program for local youth to learn about social justice issues in Long Beach.
In July, Merced youth hosted a COVID-19 clinic, giving 40 south Merced residents got their shots.
Betting On Our Future (BOOF) completes their storytelling campaign to raise awareness around problem gambling.
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.
