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YOUTH ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP

Youth Are the Leaders and Experts

YES firmly believes that youth are the leaders and experts in the fight to end youth homelessness. Our advocacy and leadership development work includes:

  • Youth Advisory Council & Leadership Opportunities: YES is in the process of forming a Youth Advisory Council (with current youth and alums) to advise our board and staff. Even now, youth participants help guide program decisions, co-create rules for the drop-in center, and serve as peer leaders. (For example, youth were actively involved in our 2024–2027 strategic planning and in interviewing new staff.)
  • Advocacy Training: We offer or connect youth to training in leadership and advocacy skills – such as public speaking, sharing their personal stories safely, and organizing for policy change. Up to 30 youth per year will be supported through stipended Youth Leadership Training programs and workshops on civic engagement.
  • Community and Civic Engagement: YES encourages youth to raise their voices in the community. We help interested youth register to vote (our goal is to register at least 80 new youth voters each year) and educate them about their rights. We also facilitate youth attendance at City Hall hearings, rallies, and advocacy events. Youth and alums have opportunities to testify on issues such as housing policy or to join citywide groups, such as the Baltimore City Youth Action Board (YAB), to impact policies affecting homeless youth.
  • Alumni Network & Peer Leadership: Youth who “age out” or move on from our programs are encouraged to stay involved as peer mentors or advocates. Approximately 50 alumni return to YES each year to attend events or volunteer their time. Many former YES youth take on formal roles – for instance, as paid Peer Outreach Workers or peer support specialists – so that those with lived experience continue to shape our services and lead outreach to other youth. YES also strives to hire from our alumni community; several staff and board members have lived experiences similar to those we serve, reflecting our commitment to youth-led change.