Addressing longstanding youth inequities requires multi-faceted work among dynamic organizations and young leaders. We are forging bold relationships in a new network of leaders to build collective power. The Opportunity Youth Network mirrors Youthprise’s commitment to shared power. Our network goals are co-designed with young people who drive the work to transform policy, power structure, narrative, and resource allocation.
Young people are cut out of systems that align with what they need. They are disconnected from school and work because adult-designed systems often operate without youth voice, and there are barriers that prevent them from accessing these systems. We are missing out on the brilliance, potential and power of many young people. We believe that when young people lean into their power it transforms their lives and billows possibilities in our community. We envision a world where all youth are equipped to design their lives and to thrive.
The Opportunity Youth Network is a membership-based, collective impact, coalition. OYN members are already embedded in the work of supporting young people through their organizational focus across all sectors in the community. As members of the network, they join a values-aligned collaborative of other organizations, stakeholders, policy-makers and youth, who use data to achieve population-level results for young people.
We use the plan-do-act rapid cycle of improvement to identify barriers, galvanize resources, and lean into our collective power to create real change. What sets the OYN apart from other networks and groups is:
OYN is made up of youth, direct service providers, community stakeholders, policymakers, and other coalition members who show up because they prioritize solutions for traditionally marginalized youth, ages 15-25. OYN members know that alone, they don’t have the time, capacity, or power needed to illuminate problems, solutions, and a level of strategic clarity beyond their own universe. Collectively, OYN can impact broad systems to create population-level change.
Our members serve in the following ways:
Current members of the Opportunity Youth Network include:
We invite Twin Cities area youth leaders and nonprofit leaders who work with and for youth, to consider whether joining the Opportunity Youth Network may be right for you or your organization. By becoming a member, you are joining a powerful group of catalysts for change who agree to these driving values:
How to join?
By joining, you’re making a commitment to young people in our community, and you agree to:
How to Apply!
CLICK HERE. The OYN steering committee will admit members based on an assessment of interest, fit, and commitment from the applicant.
For more specific questions, please reach out to kristy@youthprise.org or quincy@youthprise.org.
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