WE ARE AN ALLIANCE
OF YOUTH ACTIVISTS
we’re making a difference
We’re an alliance of youth activists and #aForceForGood. We believe Social justice activism is intentional action with the goal of bringing about social change. Social justice activists feel strongly about a cause and diligently work towards a change. An activist is anyone who is fighting for change in society. social justice activism is our responsibility. We know that as advocates for positive change, we must participate in advancing the complex conversations that need to be had — and the work that needs to be done. We understand that to get to the root of the problems we face, we must address more than just the symptoms we’re dealing with. We are on a mission to create safer, more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities.
We are engaged. We are accountable. We are responsible.
We are Youth Igniting Change.
WE ACT LOCALLY AND SHOW UP GLOBALLY
Our Founder, Jaden Winn is recognized for his social justice work as one of the teen activists featured in the Spring 2021 Meet the Future #NxtGenGap campaign.
Gap is changing the teen fashion industry for good by producing eco-friendly clothing designed to reduce waste and save water.
Gap is dressing a generation dedicated to using their voices for change, using action as expression, and uniting to lead us all forward.
Inspired by real teens making
the world a better place.
This is our generation!
#NxtGenGap #Gap #GapTeen #GapKids
PROMOTION POLICY REFORM TO END OUR CLIMATE CRISIS AND PRESERVE OUR FUTURE
In our climate justice work, we visit our state capitol frequently, to meet with our elected officials and actively lobby for new legislation to protect our planet and our futures. We participate in global, national and local strikes and events to bring awareness about the political polarization surrounding climate crisis issues, and to advocate for bi-partisan, solution-oriented discussions.
FIERCE ADVOCACY FOR PORTLAND’S YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
We see that part of our youth homeless advocacy work is to be mythbusters, and to increase awareness and provide a greater understanding through accurate information, about how homelessness happens in our country, why it persists, and specific and meaningful ways each person can make a difference in their own communities.
PRACTICING & ADVANCING INCLUSION,
EQUITY AND REPRESENTATION
We are committed to doing the work to expand our own awareness and gain insight as a group in the areas of inclusion, equity and representation — and to incorporate an equity lens in how we interact with each other, and with whatever projects and work we take on. We aim to also be a conduit and catalyst for change in our high school and greater community.
YOUTH ACTIVISM & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MOTIVATIONAL TALKS
Never underestimate an act of kindness. Even our smallest gestures can create a ripple effect, and things that may seem insignificant at the time, can end up making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us, in ways we could never have imagined. Being of service comes in many forms, we just need to stay awake for the opportunity, and then say, YES!
we speak up
We believe that the general apathy in our country about the challenges we face in our world and communities must be a part of our past. We recognize that as young people, we are in a unique position to use our voices — individually and collectively, to bring attention to the issues that need awareness and action. We know that creating meaningful change starts with speaking up.
We believe there is #NoMinimumAgeForCommunityLeadership and the depth of our caring and compassion will transform our ideas into grassroots actions and strategic plans for real, sustainable change.
We Push Forward
we make things happen
We believe by aligning and collaborating with courageous, make-change-happen organizations and community leaders — there are no limits to the positive impact we can have. We know that our capacity to improve our world and communities is dependent upon the adults in our lives — who will partner with us and support our ideals and ideas. We realize that while there have been barriers and obstacles in solving critical issues, we’re unafraid and motivated to #BlazeNewPaths and a make a new way.
During a series of severe winter storms in early January 2017, Jaden Winn created a fundraising campaign and items contribution drive, to collect #100KeepWarmItemsIn100Hours to deliver to Portland’s homeless, who were significantly impacted by record-breaking, sub-zero temperatures.
We understand that integral to our success and
the rippling for greater good, we must:
✓ Learn about the issues we want to change
✓ Share our activism journey as it unfolds
✓ Celebrate our community service success
✓ Offer our stories for others to build from
We Connect
we create community
We are Manifesters. We are Collaborators. We are Changemakers. We believe that fueled by the power of kindness, community and creativity — anything is possible. We are guided by the #CircleOfInnovation, where the spark of an idea, by an individual or group flourishes, because we come together and unify around a shared purpose. We know that we’re better together and that when we come together to envision new ways to work through the challenges of today’s world, we change ourselves and our communities for good.
WE BELIEVE ACTIVISM IS COOL
we are the change
WE WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD
We are fiercely independent. We know that our superpower is community. We believe in the contagious power of beauty. We are here to liberate, unravel and unlock possibility and potential. We are determined. We don’t back-down. We do show up. We are creating a world of freedom, non-judgement, inclusion and expression — where our unique creativity and contribution is acknowledged and encouraged. We are making a place and a space for everyone. We are #LoveInAction. We are offering compassionate support and opportunities for empowerment, especially for our underserved and marginalized communities.
We believe:
“The purpose of life is to live a life with a purpose.”
~Michael Franti