Mission

THE YA-YA NETWORK ADVANCES CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND RACIAL JUSTICE BY BUILDING THE POWER OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO AFFECT SYSTEMIC CHANGE. FOR 25 YEARS, THE YA-YA NETWORK HAS EMPOWERED NYC'S BLACK, BROWN, AND IMMIGRANT YOUTH TO TRANSFORM POLICIES THAT HAVE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED THEIR COMMUNITIES. WE PROVIDE MENTORING, PEER EDUCATION, CORE TRAINING IN ANTI-OPPRESSION, ORGANIZING SKILLS, AND POLITICAL EDUCATION THAT ENGAGES YOUTH AS LEADERS AND ACTIVE MEMBERS IN CAMPAIGNS THAT DIRECTLY IMPACT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH THEY LIVE. ALL OUR PROGRAMS STRESS COMMUNITY-BUILDING AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HANDS-ON LEARNING WHILE PROVIDING MODEST STIPENDS TO SUPPORT OUR YOUTH ECONOMICALLY.