Motivated young people gather in Washington D.C. for the 2024
YouthBuild AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders
Over 40 young leaders from YouthBuild programs across the country and 19 YouthBuild alumni members came together at the 36th Annual YouthBuild AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders (CoYL) in Washington, D.C., during the week of October 21st.
Through CoYL, YouthBuild AmeriCorps students are brought together to fully experience the breadth and impact of YouthBuild’s global movement rooted in leadership, service, education, and job skills training. Throughout the three-day conference, participants further developed their leadership skills, expanded their network and explored this year’s theme, “Lead Well. Be Well.”
By building connections with each other and YouthBuild alumni, participants realized the critical role they play in the extensive, global YouthBuild network. Through collaborative, interactive workshops led by YouthBuild alumni, the participants explored themes such as financial capability, creativity, and leadership and wellness. These sessions encouraged them to think critically and become active problem solvers and change agents in their communities—and to practice self-care as a foundation for their leadership while doing so.
Participants also explored different storytelling techniques to effectively communicate both their individual and community’s strengths and inspire others to take action. They took part in an asset-based storytelling workshop, where they practiced sharing their personal narratives, developed their communication skills, and deepened their understanding of the power and lived-experience they possess while mobilizing others towards a common goal.
Throughout the conference, YouthBuild alumni inspired participants to be leaders in their communities. On Tuesday, October 22nd, Todd Timmons, a 2018 graduate of YouthBuild Buffalo (formerly Western New York YouthBuild), gave the alumni keynote address. Timmons told his personal trajectory of growth and healing, sharing how he became a community leader and organizer, mentor, and advocate after being injured as an innocent bystander in a local shooting. Relaying how his experience became a catalyst for personal and community-wide change, he encouraged students to step into their own leadership and take action in their communities, even when it may be difficult or not natural for them. He also emphasized the importance of making connections and relationships that empower and sustain them—including YouthBuild alumni mentors—as they create transformation for the next generation.
“When YouthBuild students experience the breadth and depth of the entire YouthBuild movement outside of their individual local programs, they see yet another example of their collective strength and potential to change the world,” said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global. “By making these connections during our Conference of Young Leaders, context is gathered and lifelong friendships are made. These young leaders bring a larger worldview, and even greater purpose, back to their communities.”
With love and respect, YouthBuild partners with opportunity youth to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood, and leadership. At 247 local programs across the U.S. and 80 in other countries, young people who are out of school and out of work reclaim their education, gain job skills, and become leaders in their communities through service and civic engagement. To date, YouthBuild has partnered with more than 210,000 young people to dedicate over 52 million hours of service benefitting urban, rural, and tribal communities. YouthBuild Global—the headquarters for the YouthBuild movement—unifies and partners with this expansive network of YouthBuild programs. From training, technical assistance, capacity building, and innovative program enhancements to leadership development, sustainability, and advocacy, YouthBuild Global serves as a convener, collaborator, and catalyst for the entire YouthBuild movement. YouthBuild strives to create a world where all young people are seen for their potential and power to transform themselves and their communities.
