Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.”
HISTORY
In 1996 Youth Together was formed by youth, community members, parents and school officials in Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond, California concerned about inter-racial violence and inadequate school conditions.
Because of the organization’s youth leadership programming, student centers, and campaigns, six local high schools are developing positive, long-term solutions to fight social, political, community, and educational inequities in their lives, serving as a model for empowering change in other communities.
Community members were inspired to form Youth Together in 1994 in response to inter-racial conflicts in schools. Since that time, young people in Youth Together have fought for, won, and continued to struggle for a new vision of their schools and communities.
For more historic details click on our Timeline.
MISSION
Grounded in our commitment to peace, unity and justice, the mission of Youth Together is to address the root causes of educational inequities by developing multiracial youth leaders and engaging school community allies to promote positive school change.
Youth Together utilizes four main programs to meet our mission:
VISION
VALUES
1. YT values young people because we believe youth are inherently valuable and powerful and must be key players in creating a world free of internalized, interpersonal, and institutional oppression.
2. YT values supporting academic development, raising political consciousness, and knowing our histories because we believe the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, education, and reflective practice is necessary for our liberation.
3. YT values leadership development because we believe by nurturing the confidence and skills of young people they will create a just environment in their schools and communities.
4. YT values multi-generational partnerships because we believe youth and adults sharing power and knowledge is necessary for authentic social change.
5. YT values multiracial unity because we believe that racial division is a key tool of oppression, and that we gain strength and power in learning and sharing our histories, cultures, and experiences.
6. YT values anti-oppression work because we believe that all forms of injustice prevent effective movement-building.
7. YT values movement building, because we believe power is created by people organizing to make change inside and outside of institutions.
8. YT values accountability because we believe both self-discipline and high expectations nurture a fair and equitable environment.
9. YT values access to equitable and quality education because we believe education is basic human right that determines individual and community well-being.
10. YT values self-determination because we believe in the capacity of individuals and communities to envision and realize their strength, power, and well-being
11. YT values building a healthy organizing culture that acts out of love, respect, and equality for all people because we believe strong individuals and strong relationships build strong movements.
12. YT values collaborative decision-making and transparency because we believe open communication and healthy conflict struggle the greatest solutions.
13. YT values peace and non-violent solutions because we recognize the damaging effects of violence in our homes, communities, and world and see the role we play in ending this cycle.
As part of the Campaign for Quality Education (CQE), Youth Together, along with other grassroots organizations, rallied and held a press conference on July 13, 2010 on the steps of the Alameda County Courthouse. Scores of people gathered to support the filing of a historic lawsuit known as CQE v. CA. The CQE represents thousands [...]
The city needs to demonstrate the political and economic will behind its call for justice by investing in a long-term strategy for true peace. Youth Together supports the following demands and the organizing and media work being done (by the New Year’s Movement, the SF Bayview, and the African People’s Socialist Party) to win them (click on post to read more):
Rights of Passage: Building Future Leaders. An end of the year celebration honoring Youth Together’s graduating seniors happening May 21st at the Humanist Hall in Oakland.
Over six hundred high school students from throughout the Bay Area will attend Eastbay nonprofit Youth Together’s 9th Annual Ethnic Studies Conference at UC Berkeley. The theme, “Reclaiming Our Past, Fighting for Our Futures,” is a call for students to find strength in their histories as a tool to motivate them towards higher education. Students will participate in presentations and performances centered on race, culture health, media literacy, student organizing and art activism.
Youth Together believes that Quality Education is a Basic Human Right that determines individual and community well-being. We will participate in teach-ins and mobilizations in the SF East Bat that seek the preservation of this right.
The Department of Education recognizes that community engagement and involvement is a critical component in driving turnarounds for a successful effort. Please join us for a visit from U.S. Department of Education. We’ll listen to Director of Community Outreach Alberto Retana to learn about Title I SIG (School Improvement Grant) funds, the four intervention models for turning schools around, and discuss ways to drive reform locally.
Youth Together is proud to announce Shawn Ginwright as a panelist following the film screening of Greensboro: Closer to the Truth. The author, professor, activist, and founder of Oakland based non-profit, Leadership Excellence, will be on hand to discuss his methods of healing and restorative justice with urban youth. Come join us to view a moving documentary as well as hear and dialogue with amazing community activists restoring hope and justice in our communities.
