Our Strategy

Build Youth Power

We empower young individuals to become active and influential participants in decision-making processes and societal change.

 

Improve Youth Development

We advocate for the recognition and fulfillment of young people’s unique needs and concerns in policies, programs, and resource allocation.

 

Demand Youth Prioritization

We focus on enhancing the overall well-being and growth of young individuals through access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

 

Youth Will Gives a Voice and Venue to a Younger Demographic

Youth Will is a community based organization located in San Diego, CA, that was founded as the Youth Development Office of San Diego in 2012. Our mission is to create a more equitable future for every individual under the age of 25 through community organizing, grassroots advocacy, and political reform. Very community oriented, Youth Will:

  • Has created a Youth Bill of Rights
  • Is focused on areas important to San Diego’s youth like housing, healthcare, environment, helping youth find gainful employment.
  • Develops policy priorities and advocates for youth at the city and county level.
  • Offers paid internships (that also includes college credits) to help with the general operation of the organization.
  • Offers Action Teams for youth to get involved directly with an area important to them.
  • Does not provide direct services – they are not a service provider. Youth Will’s focus is on organizing and advocacy.
  • Offers local government and civic engagement workshops, which teaches young people more about the workings of government and how to get involved in the change making process.
  • Leads the San Diego Opportunity Youth Collaborative, with the goal of mobilizing and shifting systems in order address gaps in youth services while leveraging opportunities to ensure young people in our region reach self-sufficiency through workforce training, youth leadership engagement, and equitable investment in underserved communities.

Take Action

Get Involved

Getting involved with Youth Will allows young people in San Diego to actively contribute their time, skills, and resources, to fostering a sense of community and personal fulfillment.

Invest in Our Vision

Donating to Youth Will is crucial, as it provides vital financial support to programs and initiatives that directly impact the lives of young people, helping them overcome challenges and realize their full potential.

Youth Will in the News

It’s Time to Create an Office of Child & Youth Success

It’s Time to Create an Office of Child & Youth Success

This story originally appeared in The Times of San Diego. Read it here in its original form.  It has been 15 years. In 2006, our region witnessed a tremendous spike in youth violence. This resulted in San Diego decision-makers convening with a goal of addressing youth...

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