Our Work
Leadership and Development, Civic Engagement, Campaigns, and Impact
Our Work
YUC is tasked with developing society’s leaders of today and tomorrow. Members undergo extensive training in leadership development, public education reform, and community organizing. These trainings take place during weekly chapter meetings, an annual winter strategy retreat, and an annual summer Leadership Institute. Students also have the opportunity to design and lead advocacy campaigns for quality public education. As members, they actively develop a wide range of skills such as meeting planning and facilitation, writing and public speaking, community outreach, member recruitment and campaign development.
Learn more about our work and approach below:
Leadership Development
Empowerment
There are two core characteristics that we see as signs of true leadership: (1) a leader presents a proposal that invites collective input and buy-in, and then works with others to bring that plan to life; and (2) a leader helps develop the leadership capacity of others, guiding them toward a path where they can eventually lead and empower their peers.
Our leadership development model is built on the belief that leaders are not born; they are shaped through intentional opportunities, mentorship, and community support. We provide young people with practical organizing tools, leadership coaching, and hands-on training so they can become effective change agents in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Through skill-building in meeting facilitation, strategy development, storytelling, and campaign planning, we equip youth to lead both boldly and collaboratively.
Leadership Development
Empowerment
There are two core characteristics that we see as signs of true leadership: (1) a leader presents a proposal that invites collective input and buy-in, and then works with others to bring that plan to life; and (2) a leader helps develop the leadership capacity of others, guiding them toward a path where they can eventually lead and empower their peers.
Our leadership development model is built on the belief that leaders are not born; they are shaped through intentional opportunities, mentorship, and community support. We provide young people with practical organizing tools, leadership coaching, and hands-on training so they can become effective change agents in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Through skill-building in meeting facilitation, strategy development, storytelling, and campaign planning, we equip youth to lead both boldly and collaboratively.
Campaigns
Advocacy
Every YUC campaign has two main goals: to advance meaningful change in the community and to develop the leadership of our members. We intentionally focus on campaigns that address the most pressing issues youth face today while building their skills, confidence, and resilience in the process.
Our campaigns are youth-led, grounded in lived experience, and aimed at creating justice and equity for young people across Philadelphia. These efforts have addressed issues such as education justice, racial equity, climate resilience, student rights, and the impacts of gentrification. Campaigns are developed through a collective process where members identify priorities, conduct research, build coalitions, and meet with decision-makers.
Campaigns
Advocacy
Every YUC campaign has two main goals: to advance meaningful change in the community and to develop the leadership of our members. We intentionally focus on campaigns that address the most pressing issues youth face today while building their skills, confidence, and resilience in the process.
Our campaigns are youth-led, grounded in lived experience, and aimed at creating justice and equity for young people across Philadelphia. These efforts have addressed issues such as education justice, racial equity, climate resilience, student rights, and the impacts of gentrification. Campaigns are developed through a collective process where members identify priorities, conduct research, build coalitions, and meet with decision-makers.
Civic Engagement
Participation
We believe a healthy society depends on how inclusive and participatory its democracy is. The more young people and everyday community members are involved in decisions that shape their lives, the more opportunities exist for fairness, growth, and transformation.
At YUC, civic engagement is about reclaiming our power and making sure youth have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to influence the systems around them. Through our VOTA! Project, we train young people, especially first-time voters and youth of color, to understand their rights, register to vote, and show up at the ballot box with purpose.
But civic engagement goes beyond voting. We teach youth how local government works, encourage participation in school board meetings, and train them to give powerful public testimony. We organize civic education workshops, voter registration drives, and community forums so our members can actively shape the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
We also emphasize that civic power is ongoing work.
Civic Engagement
Participation
We believe a healthy society depends on how inclusive and participatory its democracy is. The more young people and everyday community members are involved in decisions that shape their lives, the more opportunities exist for fairness, growth, and transformation.
At YUC, civic engagement is about reclaiming our power and making sure youth have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to influence the systems around them. Through our VOTA! Project, we train young people, especially first-time voters and youth of color, to understand their rights, register to vote, and show up at the ballot box with purpose.
But civic engagement goes beyond voting. We teach youth how local government works, encourage participation in school board meetings, and train them to give powerful public testimony. We organize civic education workshops, voter registration drives, and community forums so our members can actively shape the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
We also emphasize that civic power is ongoing work.
Our Impact - Notable Victories
- Kensington Multiplex: Kensington, North Philadelphia is home to a multiplex of three small high schools, which were the result of a decade-long campaign led by members of YUC’s Kensington Chapter. Right now, the three schools that make up the Multiplex include Kensington High School, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, and Kensington Academy of Creative And Performing Arts.
- District-Wide Water Access & Infrastructure Improvements: Because of the water access issues we heard from various schools, YUC, working closely with allies and Councilwoman Helen Gym, pressured the Philadelphia school district to take an inventory of every fountain in the district. That inventory found that 15% of the District’s water fountains were not working, forcing the district to begin systematically repairing fountains. YUC also joined forces with other community based groups and won a demand calling on the school district to designate $1 million of its $88 million surplus to install three water hydration stations in every Philly public school. Installation of these hydration stations began September 2016.
Shaping the Future: A Collective Vision in Photos
Explore a visual record of our impact, from organizing efforts to community victories, highlighting the dedication and strength behind every step of YUC’s work.
Join the Movement
Be part of the change. Whether you’re a young person ready to lead, a community member eager to support, or an advocate who wants to stay connected, there is a place for you in our movement.