What do young people gain?

The FCYO belives that through youth organizing, young people:

• Build and exercise their individual and collective leadership and decision-making capacity

• Strengthen their self-confidence and develop tangible skills, such as the ability to speak in public, think critically and analytically, conduct research, write materials/publications, and develop political analysis

• Develop an understanding of and ability to navigate political processes and systems through community organizing and advocacy training and firsthand experience

• Increase their sense of self-efficacy, see themselves as part of their community and as agents of change, and become actively involved in civic life

• Strengthen healthy relationships with adults, i.e. parents, community members, teachers, public officials, etc.

• Increase the capacity to build relationships with peers and adults across differences.