Why We Exist

During the 1990's, youth organizing gained considerable momentum as a viable way for young people (ages 12-21+) to realize their leadership potential and effect concrete changes in their communities and local institutions. Where just a handful of youth organizing groups existed ten years ago, now over 100 community-based efforts across the country are engaging thousands of youth to wage strategic, intentional campaigns around public school reform, environmental justice, police brutality, welfare reform, youth services funding, the prison and criminal justice system, and a host of other issues.

In pursuit of a vision of democratic participation, principled leadership and social change, these youth have secured sizeable victories over the last decade or so. In the process, they are gaining critical awareness and knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills, and renewed hope that change and improvement is possible. Youth organizing has particularly appealed to some of the nation's most marginalized youth, including poor youth, youth of color, and out-of-school youth.

The FCYO was founded to respond to two immediate needs in the field of youth organizing:

• The need for commitment, support and resources for long-term stability, sustainability and wider impact of youth organizing groups given their growth, maturation and challenges.
• The need for sustained, expanded support and funding for youth organizing beyond philanthropic trends.