YouthBuild Global partners with opportunity youth and program staff from YouthBuild programs around the United States, as well as statewide and regional YouthBuild coalitions and collaboratives, to bring youth voices to federal, state, and local decision-makers. By amplifying the perspectives of young people, YouthBuild’s efforts are critical in empowering future leaders, transforming communities, and contributing to the overall strength of our nation’s economy.
With youth leaders at the forefront, we advocate for increasing federal appropriations for the U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild programs and for expanding national service funding for opportunity youth.
Each year, we hold hundreds of meetings with members of Congress and their staff so they hear firsthand how their actions impact the lives of opportunity youth and, critically, what Congress can do to better support the communities in which our young people live and work.
We also believe in the importance of advocating for policy and systemic changes that improve the lives of opportunity youth. Our policy platform is informed by YouthBuild program leaders whose on-the-ground knowledge of serving opportunity youth—and whose feedback about their needs—drives our work.
We also advance policy by working with coalitions in the areas of workforce readiness and career training, positive youth development, education, service, and criminal justice, including the Campaign to Invest In America’s Workforce, the Reconnecting Youth Campaign, Voices for National Service, America Forward, and Service Year Alliance.
If you would like additional information or are interested in joining our efforts to uplift youth voices, contact us at advocacy@youthbuild.org.
