New England Youth Organizing Network

In 2015, NMEF launched the Amplifying Student Voice and Leadership portfolio, which includes youth organizing and leadership development organizations in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine. AISR facilitates cross-cohort “learning partnerships” and convening aimed at strengthening ties between youth-led change efforts across the New England region. In addition, AISR has facilitate the development of the New England Youth Organizing Network (NEYON), which has grown out of the shared interests and burgeoning relationships between NMEF youth organization grantees throughout New England. NEYON engages grantees from every New England state. Finally, AISR has led the design and implementation of the annual Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) for all NMEF youth organization and district grantees. Since 2013, NMEF grantees have sent teams of youth leaders and adult allies to the YLI to learn more about each other’s work and diversity, youth-led social change, and student-centered learning. In 2014, the YLI planning process integrated a Youth Planning Team made up of high school students from all over New England. The Youth Planning Team, facilitated by AISR, helps determine the design and content of each year’s YLI.