Youth Action Fund is an organization that provides resources and guidance to Floridians age 24 and under who want to organize in their communities.
These resources are often aimed at promoting youth leadership, activism, and community participation. This allows young people to engage in social justice, environmental issues, mental health, education, or other causes they are passionate about.
Gen Z can use their voice as a tool to drive the change they want. Even if you want to get involved in youth activities, you often don’t know where to start.
Nearly every legislative session in Florida has enacted laws that negatively impact marginalized communities, students, and residents across the state. This is why resources like the Youth Action Fund are important in Florida. To help people in need navigate complex policies and use them as tools to create change.
Whether it’s gun violence in schools, the impact of climate change on Florida’s coastline, or the silencing of the LGBTQ+ community, these issues are all powerful reasons for change.
YAF hosted a rally at the University of Florida to urge the Board of Governors to protect DEI programs.
Photo credit: Sabrina Briseno
“Florida needs YAF, but more importantly, Florida needs young leaders who are committed to making change,” said Melissa Saucedo, Youth Action Fund advisory director. said.
YAF’s Advice Department is comprised of experienced and knowledgeable organizers who work with young residents across the state to help them brainstorm and support the projects they work on. Resources include up to $1000 in stipends, access to tools like Canva Pro, art and communication resources, power mapping assistance, and comprehensive guidance throughout your project.
Saucedo added: “YAF is simply a hub where young people can come to us for that kind of support and we facilitate their projects.”
The Counseling Department has highly developed methods to assist in any special situation.
Saucedo said the ideal client for YAF’s counseling department is someone who has “observed or felt firsthand the effects of living without protection.”
“If someone has the passion and desire to host events or implement projects that improve their community, we highly encourage them to apply to our program,” Saucedo added. .
To get involved, visit the Youth Action Fund website: youthactionfund.org. You can apply for advising, scholarships, or hosted gigs under the Programs tab. The application process is simple, and as long as it is bipartisan, it is more likely to be approved and developed.
A developed plan is not required to apply to the advisory department. All you need is a “seed of an idea”.
Youth Action Fund was established as a 501c3 in July 2023 and has grown rapidly since then. They will continue to strive to make Florida better for Florida’s youth.
