Youth on Board.... Asking young people what they think
Youth on Board envisions a world where
young people are fully respected and treated as valued and
active members of their families, communities, and society.
Since 1994, Youth on Board (YOB) has been a leader in the field of youth organizing in the Boston area and beyond. YOB supports the power of students to transform their communities by recognizing that when young people are fully engaged—when their voices are heard, their opinions matter and their unique perspective is respected—they commit themselves to making their schools, their communities and their own lives better.
Through a partnership with the Boston Public School district, YOB co-administers a citywide body of student leaders that represents most high schools in the district known as the Boston Student Advisory Council (BSAC). The council, which consists almost entirely of low-income students of color, identifies and organizes around pertinent student issues, thereby putting these key stakeholders at the center of the decisions that affect them the most.
YOB and BSAC work directly with young people as they develop an understanding of the ways economic and political power is distributed in our society and how to change structures that reinforce inequity.
The students have led organizing efforts, forged relationships with district and city-leaders, created and successfully changed school policies. They also lobbied for increased student representation on the School Committee and other decision-making bodies, and advanced the voice and status of young people throughout Boston.
All of the projects and campaigns are developed by young people themselves.
Since it’s beginning YOB has worked in more than 5 countries, 25 states, and over 100 schools.
More Information: ........................... youthonboard.org (617) 741-1242 Watch students share about their involvement
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