Youth In Action: How do we "lead with" youth?

                       

Mission Statement: 

Youth In Action gives the space for youth share their stories, practice leadership, and create change in their communities.

                                             Vision Statement:
At YIA, we understand that those individuals most affected by a problem are in the best position to determine solutions. The problems that often hit youth of color the hardest – such as community violence, food insecurity, and entry into higher education or training – are structural problems with personal implications. Hence, YIA serves as an open and safe space where youth can voice their opinions and experiences, and are given the trust and respect to creatively apply their unique talents within their own lives and their communities. By building power, leadership and action amongst youth in frontline communities, we believe a more equitable and safe world is possible.


- Youth In Action is defined as a "youth leadership" after school organization, which is not the typical description that we see when talking about after school programming. When parents and youth think of participating in an after school program, they mainly think of youth taking part in the program while adults make the rules and lead the program. At Youth In Action, they describe leading with as building power and taking action amongst youth, as stated in their vision statement. Youth In Action focuses on creating various opportunities for youth to better themselves and address power imbalances. In addition, YIA addresses four various types of learning. These include project based learning (which is specific to practicing leadership skills), service learning, adventure learning, and cooperative learning. Each type of learning focuses on the youth and what they can do to help better themselves and their communities.