Washington Youth Alliance

Description

Our story begins in 2023 with a powerful vision crafted by young leaders from all corners of Washington State. Unlike many nonprofits, the Washington Youth Alliance was born from the lived experiences of BIPOC youth under the age of 24. We are guided entirely by youth and for youth, as you can see in our board and staff outline below. Our name itself, chosen through countless meetings with youth across the state, reflects this broader vision: to provide a platform where all young people can engage in our work, whether or not they are students. It was clear that the opportunities for youth power extended far beyond the classroom. Through this process, we have continuously engaged with young people, particularly youth of color, to shape our racial justice statement and strategic focus. Our commitment to racial equity runs deep, not just as a guiding principle but as the heartbeat of everything we do. The need for this work is urgent. Black and brown youth, especially those who face barriers outside of the education system, are often the most marginalized. Access to food security, career readiness beyond college, and digital literacy are all critical issues we’ve identified through our engagement with these communities. Yet, these are also areas where we see immense opportunity. The chance to create spaces where young people can lead their chapters, advocating for everything from mental health support to gun violence prevention, is where the real potential lies.