We want youth to become engaged, empowered change-makers.

Through our Youth Leading Change program, middle school and high school students form close relationships, develop leadership skills, create their own campaigns to change the culture of their schools, and become lifelong leaders.

Young people are under a lot of pressure. On a daily basis, they deal with bullying, isolation, depression and anxiety, and pressure to use drugs. 

Many are dealing with an unhealthy environment – even violence – at home or at school and don’t have enough adults around to advocate for them.

Through YLC chapters in Tacoma and Pierce County, we empower young people to create their own antidotes to many of these situations. 

YLC students say they experience:

• • • An increased ability to lead. Students gain concrete skills that help them communicate with their peers and adults, problem-solve, and address conflict.
    • An inclusive environment. Not only do students feel personally included, they come to value inclusivity as part of a healthy group dynamic.
    • Increased bravery. Involvement in the group helps them develop courage to explore activities that interest them

Contact our Youth Team Manager Joan to learn more or to join YLC.

How do we support YLC chapters?

We support students by helping them prepare for a successful adulthood with practical support for their chapter meetings and campaigns, leadership training, opportunities to form strong relationships with their peers and adult advocates, and 

Practical support for youth chapters 

Our youth mobilization specialists:

• • • Attend weekly school-based YLC meetings throughout Tacoma and Pierce County.

    • Support student campaigns by helping them identify and plan for obstacles, providing materials, and attending events.

    • Host a community-based chapter at the Safe Streets office for youth across Tacoma and Pierce County.

    • Stay in touch with school principals and counselors in order to provide youth with wraparound accountability and support.

Leadership training for youth

Our leadership training workshops cover topics such as:

• • • Conflict resolution

    • Project planning

    • Communication skills

    • Teamwork

We also run leadership camps and include youth in community conferences so they can build life and leadership skills and experience the power of coming together.

More than an after-school club

Our staff members provide bonding opportunities for students by taking them on field trips, such as day hikes, or bringing students from different parts of the city together to work on a project. 

But YLC is more than that. It’s a powerful resource to help students plan for and launch themselves into adulthood.

Our staff helps students explore and plan for their futures by:

• • • Taking students on college visitation trips.

    • Giving students tools that help them decide on a career path.

    • Connecting students with people who can advise them about a future career.

    • Providing practical support, such as rides to events and interviews.

History

The Youth Leading Change program emerged from community mobilization efforts in Tacoma during the 1990s, when community members organized against gang violence and spoke out about the need to provide accountability and support for Tacoma and Pierce County youth. 

It worked. As youth started to step away from gangs, Safe Streets started talking about a program that would invite youth into positive community work. In 1996, Safe Streets launched YLC.

Today, we support chapters in eight middle schools and high schools and run a community YLC chapter for youth in any Tacoma or Pierce County middle or high school.

Contact our Youth Team Manager Joan to learn more or to join YLC.