Our Mission

Our Vision

Theory of Change

Grounded in our commitment to peace, unity and justice, the mission of Youth Together is to address the root causes of educational inequities by developing multiracial youth leaders and engaging school community allies to promote positive school change.

Education is a basic human right, not a privilege.

The vision of Youth Together is to reclaim public education. We seek to create public educational systems that are just, community based, supportive and people centric. We aim to empower, mobilize, and build self-determination among students and their communities.

Youth Together envisions students who think critically, are social change agents, and who challenge internalized, interpersonal, and institutional oppression in their schools and communities. Specifically, we envision public schools as spaces where youth, their families, and community members are key decision makers in their educational experience.

We envision an educational system that is both the center of the community and a tool for creating community. When local educational institutions are designed to meet the needs of students, a strong community is created.

Individual Transformation – Critical Thinking and Student Leadership – Youth Together address the life conditions and immediate needs of youth and builds the self-esteem, skills and cultural understanding of youth organizers.

Team building for Student Power – Consciousness Raising and Political Engagement – Youth Together youth organizers develop positive relationships with young people across racial and ethnic lines, school walls, neighborhood turfs and city borders. Diverse youth organizers participate in leadership development through community organizing.

Challenging Institutions – Outside, Inside Organizing – Youth Together works with community partners and the school districts to shift the balance of power and position allies in key decision-making position.

Building Power – Shifting Climate, Policy Change – Youth Together builds a community base of support in schools to understand and advocate for young people’s needs. In addition, Youth Together works with a broad range of organizations and institutions to build the capacity of adults to be allies to young people.

Transformation of our Social Context – Dismantle Oppression – Youth Together’s ultimate goal is to transform the school systems and transform inadequate school and community conditions to ensure every young person has the opportunities to thrive.