Youth Engagement

Youth Engagement Network (YEN)

About YEN

• A statewide learning and teaching community through which people of all ages actively promote and support youth engagement.
• An evolving web of connections but currently involves participation from youth and adults from several youth organizations. We meet monthly and determine what would be most helpful in the support and promotion of youth engagement throughout the state. Currently, most of the organizations are metro area although we hope to continue to add youth organizations from greater Minnesota who can join our meetings on speakerphone and in person when possible.
• In the future, we hope to have a stronger Virtual-Youth Engagement Network (V-YEN) that will provide connection and community online. Stay tuned.

Partner Organizations

• Youth Work Institute—Provides state-of-the-art, research-based training and educational opportunities that strengthen youth programs and opportunities for positive youth development.
• Youth Community Connections—Minnesota’s Statewide Afterschool Alliance, works to promote and support high quality youth programs and opportunities.
• Minnesota Alliance with Youth—Works to ensure that all young people in Minnesota have access to the resources they need to be successful.
• Kwanzaa/Nia Imani Youth Center—Nurtures next generation of African American leaders by engaging youth and their families in meaningful, celebratory, cultural, spiritual and educational activities.
• The Innovation Center—Helps communities engage youth, adults, and organizations to contribute to community development initiatives.
• Youthrive—Engages young people with adults in strengthening leadership and peace building skills.
• Search Institute—Provides leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities.
• NYLC—Creates a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world with young people, their schools, and their communities through service-learning.
• Youth Coordinating Board and Minneapolis Youth Congress—Is an inter-governmental organization that promotes the comprehensive development of Minneapolis children and youth.
• St. Paul Second Shift Youth Commission—The place where Saint Paul Youth: Stand UP…Speak Up…LEAD.
• The Garage—A community center/music venue that is a safe environment where teenagers can excel.
• Yo The Movement—Youth organizing through hosting and implementing safe events, programs, and happenings for youth and young adults.

Other YEN Organizations

• Youth Organizing Apprenticeship Project—Advances racial, cultural, social and economic justice in Minnesota.
• Jewish Community Action—A coalition of Jewish youth who organize to create change in their communities; open to all high school and college aged youth who are interested in organizing.
• Project Legos—The Citizen’s League social network designed to help people understand the issues related to schools.
• Students Speak Out—Provide programs and curriculums to youth and community serving gencies that increase leadership skills.