Authentic Youth Collaboration

Youth Collaboratory is committed to shifting the power and paradigms in our communities. We recognize that our progress as an organization and field is dependent on the uninhibited leadership of youth and young adults; which means equitable compensation is crucial for sustaining and uplifting youth and young adult leaders in order to advance the field. 

We aim to eradicate adultism, decenter white dominant culture, and move young people most impacted from the margins to the epicenter. Youth and young adults are involved in all aspects of the work - planning, development, action, reflection, evaluation, and follow-up. Our work requires authentic relationships, fierce advocacy, respect, and liberation, as the primary means through which transformative change develops and is sustained. 

Youth Collaboratory works to foster the growth and development of youth and young adults historically excluded. This includes having abundant resources: generating exposure to opportunities, pathways to leadership, reciprocal growth and learning, genuine inclusion in organizational events and training, and overall support of youth and young adults professionally and personally. 

Guide to Authentic Youth Leadership and Collaboration

Youth Collaboratory supports many local and national youth and young adult leadership initiatives, and partners with young leaders across the country through the Youth Catalyst Team.

The Youth Catalyst Team created a tool to share some of their best practices! This guide is for youth and young adult leaders, catalysts, and advocates - as well as the adult collaborators that support their work. You can use this guide as a template for developing and sustaining youth and young adult leadership groups. Download the guide. 

For more information about the Youth Catalyst Team, or to request training, consultation, brainstorming, coaching, or other project partnership, email us at yct@youthcollaboratory.org.