The goals of the Youth Change Network are to:
- Lead a paradigm shift from “youth-serving” to youth-led and youth-driven service delivery models.
- Increase philanthropic investment in youth leadership and youth-inspired social innovations in the American South.
- Build capacity and support networks of progressive youth organizations that are cultivating in youth the ideals of activism and service.
- Build resilient communities where youth can live, learn, lead thrive and grow.
Who should join the YCN?
Through the Youth Change Network, Operation REACH seeks to partner with progressive youth organizations that:
- Philosophically believe in youth engagement rather than “youth under surveillance.”
- See youth as leaders of today.
- Under‐gird programs with innovative assets‐based approaches that tap into the natural brilliance, interests, optimism and creativity of youth.
- Conceptualize programs with a youth‐centered approach and with significant input and steering from youth in the ideation process.