ABOUT CWYC
Youth voices are often absent or minimized in discussion about issues that directly impact them. CWYC maintains the philosophy that youth voices are an essential tool for social change. However, CWYC also recognizes youth voice must also translate to youth POWER for youth to impact systems reform. Our work centers political education, working class organizing, and transformative leadership development. We use restorative justice, mental health, and the radical possibilities of joy as tools for transformation, not just resistance. CWYC's aim is to strengthen young leaders and youth-serving staff personally and civically, with the belief that the New Haven area will undoubtedly benefit from an inclusive, united, and supported youth network whose voice will usher forth positive changes for all.
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H. E. A. R. T.
HUMANITY
EQUITY
AUTHENTICITY
RESILIENCE
TRUST
CWYC's Anti-Racist Principles...
- Analyze power
- Develop leadership
- Combat gatekeeping
- Identify and analyze manifestation
of racism
- Learn from history
- Maintain accountability
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- Build a net that works
- Share Culture
- Undo internalized racial
oppression
- Undo internalized superiority
- Undo internalized inferiority
*Accredited to the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond
Citywide Youth Coalition's Mission
CWYC builds youth power through education, leadership development, and anti-racist community organizing.
Citywide Youth Coalition's Vision
CWYC envisions a courageous community where youth lead change.
Our Five Pillars of
Youth Power
POLITICAL EDUCATION
Young people deserve access to the knowledge that has been intentionally kept from them. Through political education, we equip youth with radical tools—history, theory, and analysis—to understand the root causes of injustice, build shared language, and shape their own liberatory visions for the future.
TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
We create intentional spaces for young people to grow into their full power—cultivating self-awareness, political clarity, and organizing skills. Through mentorship, healing practices, and community-rooted leadership opportunities, youth don’t just “learn to lead”—they practice leadership rooted in collective care, accountability, and liberation.
ANTI- RACIST, ANTI-CAPITALIST (ARAC) YOUTH ORGANIZING
We support youth in organizing to dismantle systems of white supremacy, capitalism, and all forms of oppression. This pillar is about building power—not just to resistance—but to reimagine and create new systems grounded in equity, community ownership, and joy. Our organizing is bold, disruptive, and visionary.
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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
We believe youth have the right—and responsibility—to shape the policies and decisions that impact their lives and communities. Through civic education, voter engagement, participatory action, and direct advocacy, we prepare young people to be informed and active participants in our democracy, both inside and outside of traditional systems.
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COALITION BUILDING
We know we can’t win alone. Coalition building is how we move beyond silos to build lasting relationships, shared analysis, coordinate action, and build governing power.We bring youth, grassroots organizations, and movement partners together to dream, strategize, and act in alignment—locally and across boarders.