Youth Action Fund is an organization that delivers resources and guidance to Floridians under 24 years old that would like to organize in their community.
These resources are often aimed at promoting youth leadership, activism, and community engagement, This allows young individuals to address social justice, environmental issues, mental health, education, or other causes they are passionate about.
Gen-Z is able to use their voice as a tool to drive the change they want to see. Often times, those who want to participate in youth activism, do not know where to start.
Nearly every legislative session in Florida results in laws that negatively impact marginalized communities, students, and residents across the state. This is why a resource like the Youth Action Fund is crucial in Florida—to help those in need navigate the complexities of policy and use it as a tool for creating change.
Whether it’s gun violence in schools, the effects of climate change on Florida’s coastline, or the silencing of LGBTQ+ communities, these issues are all powerful reasons to strive for change.
Photo by Sabrina Briceno
“Florida needs YAF, but more importantly, Florida needs young leaders that are committed to being the change” Youth Action Fund’s Advising Director, Melissa Saucedo said.
YAF’s Advising Department is made of experienced and knowledgeable organizers that work with young residents statewide to help them brainstorm and support them in the projects they are working on. Resources include stipends up to $1000, access to tools such as Canva Pro, art and communications resources, assistance with power-mapping, and overall guidance with their entire project.
Saucedo added that, “YAF is simply like a hub where young people can come to us for that kind of support, and we uplift their projects.”
The Advising Department has an extremely developed formula for assisting with any unique situation.
Saucedo said that the ideal user of YAF’s Advising Department is someone that has “observed or firsthand felt the effects of living in a state that doesn’t protect them.”
“If someone has the passion or the willingness to put on an event or carry out a project that’s going to uplift their community, then I highly encourage them to apply to our program.” Saucedo added.
To get involved, you can visit the Youth Action Fund’s website, youthactionfund.org. Under the Programs tab, you can apply for advising, a stipend, or an organizing gig. The application process is simple, and as long as it is a nonpartisan application, it will most likely be approved and developed.
You do not need a developed plan to apply to the Advising Department. You just need a “seed of an idea”.
Youth Action Fund was founded as a 501c3 in July of 2023, and has grown exponentially since. They plan to continue their efforts to help make Florida a better for Floridian youth.