Merced Youth Pass Resolution to Recognize June as Pride Month
In June of 2021, Merced youth participated in a campaign that resulted in a City resolution to officially recognize June as Pride Month, and to have the LGBTQ+ flag flown on Main Street.
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.
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Merced Youth Secure Youth Sports Vouchers
In June of 2019, Merced youth successfully campaigned for $5,000 – and another $8,500 in June 2021 – in youth sports vouchers to cover registration and equipment fees for low-income youth.
Merced Youth Succeed in Bringing Lighting to McNamara Skate Park
In June, Merced youth spoke with elected officials and successfully advocated to allocate dollars from general fund to pay for lighting.
Madera Youth Commission creates a community resource and activity book
Madera Youth Commission creates a community resource and activity book (in English and Spanish) to spread factual and positive messages in Madera.
Youth publish a COVID-19 ‘zine
Youth publish and distribute a COVID-19 collaborative booklet that includes youth narratives, resources guide, and access to local information regarding COVID-19.
COVID-19 Task Force is created
We collaboratively decided to create a youth task force that would have direct access to decision makers as well as received multimedia workshops.
Marin youth host 2nd annual mental health summit
Marin County Youth Commission host the second annual mental health summit, bringing together 50 youth via Zoom!
Marin County Youth Commissioners Publish a Letter to the Editor
Youth Commissioners Colette Holcomb and Scarlett Goh share their experiences of designing, organizing and implementing the annual Peer Youth Summit in this letter to the editor, published in the Marin Independent Journal.
Youth leaders present to Signal Hill City leaders on smoke-free multi-use housing
yli joins Half Moon Bay City’s Public Safety Focus Groups on Coastside Mental Health
Oakland youth successfully advocate to divest from policing and invest in community
Youth urge City Council members to uplift the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force recommendations that were prioritized by the Oakland City Council.
Marin Youth Commission Hosts Virtual Youth Mental Health Summit
On May 1st, the Marin County Youth Commission held a virtual summit for 50 youths aged 14-20 from 22 different schools across Marin and 2 schools from the greater Bay Area.
The kNOw publishes “The New World”
Click here for links to English and Spanish versions!
Youth leader Hazel Ventura is published in multiple yli ‘zines
Hazel Ventura was published in The kNOw’s “New World” print publication, and then again in yli’s YALL publication “¡oye! ntsia nov! Our Youth Experience Vol. 1.”
FNL Advocacy Day – Meeting with Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula
Fresno County Friday Night Live (FNL) Members meet with Assemblymember Arambula to update his office on their underage alcohol prevention efforts.
Statewide Friday Night Live Meeting
Kerman Friday Night Live (FNL) participates in leading the April Statewide FNL meeting where they presented about their Kerman Cares! Office of Traffic Safety Merchant Education Campaign efforts and chapter highlights.
Virtual I and E Days
In partnership and solidarity for a tobacco-free California, MYNT joined advocates throughout the entire state of California to inform and educate stakeholders on our tobacco control initiatives.
Youth update educational video on vaping
Youth updated the San Marin TUPE education video to help educate their peers about the effects of vaping.
My Brother’s Keeper launches internship for its Mental Wellness Campaign
A cohort of interns gather data on mental health resources (including non-clinical) available to young people in schools.
Madera youth train Community College staff and students about Student Advocacy Councils
The Student Advocacy Council and Madera Youth Commission train Madera Community College staff and students to implement their own Student Advocacy Council.
Youth meet with Assemblymember Arambula about mental health during COVID-19
yli youth, including MYNT Coalition Members, participate in a virtual conversation to address the emotional and mental wellness of young people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOPE youth launch instagram campaign
HOPE Youth Coalition launches an instagram campaign to advocate for healthier online spaces.
VoiceWaves launches Compound x VoiceWaves public workshops
VoiceWaves partners with Compound, a local culture and arts center, to host monthly workshops where Youth Reporters share the skills they learn with members of the public.
The kNOw and Coachella Uninc. participate in publishing Behind Our Masks
Behind Our Masks, a statewide publication, centers on the issues affecting young adults in California.
Youth meet with Assemblymember Arambula on COVID-19
yli youth and staff meet with Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula to raise up their voices and experiences in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students implement wellness survey during COVID-19
Students create a wellness survey at Marin Oaks High School with the purpose of identifying mental and financial hardships caused by COVID-19.
Zero Fare Clean Air passes!
The Fresno City Council voted to approve the Zero Fare Clean Act (ZFCA) on a 5-2 vote on Thursday, February 18th, 2021.
Virtual Black History Month
In collaboration with youth and adult allies in the African-American community, yli hosted a virtual Black History Month series to uplift Black voices of change in tobacco control, literacy, and leadership.
City of Long Beach receives and accepts youth strategic plan
The Long Beach City Council received a presentation on the 62-page youth strategic plan created by a coalition of local youth.
Youth successfully advocate for a permanent flavored tobacco ban
Long Beach adopts a permanent ban on the sale of most flavored tobacco products ahead of the statewide vote!