Across the world, organizations are creating youth advisory boards, councils, and other youth engagement efforts at unprecedented rates. Yet too often, young people are invited to speak; without the authority, structure, or protection needed to create real change.

Youth voice without power is performative. We are here to change that.

The Problem We’re Naming, Together. Youth engagement has become a checkbox instead of a commitment.

• Youth are asked for input, but not trusted with decisions

• Advisory boards exist without authority, budgets, or accountability

• Adults are expected to “figure it out” without training or structure

• Youth experience burnout, tokenism, and re-traumatization

  This is not a failure of young people.

  It is a failure of systems.

The Invitation

We are calling on organizations, agencies, advocates, and institutions worldwide to move beyond symbolic youth engagement and commit to youth-led systems change.

This is not about creating more youth advisory boards.

Youth leadership does not require a board at all.
It requires systems where youth have real authority, protection, and influence over decisions.

Introducing the Youth-Led Systems Change Model

The Youth-Led Systems Change Model is a replicable, implementation-ready framework that helps organizations move from consultation to shared governance. Shared governance can be embedded within existing systems, policies, and decision-making pathways — with or without a formal youth advisory structure.

It is grounded in real-world practice, lived experience, and proven outcomes, not theory alone.

The Model Is Built On Five Core Pillars:

1. Youth Decision-Making Authority: Youth are positioned with real influence, not symbolic roles.

2. Adult Role Clarity & Accountability: Adults are trained to support youth leadership, not control it.

3. Leadership Development Tied to Responsibility: Youth leadership growth is connected to real work, expectations, and outcomes.

4. Non-Judgmental, Consistent, Trauma-Aware Spaces: Youth are supported as whole people, not just advisors.

5. Implementation Fidelity: Structures are built to last beyond staff turnover, funding cycles, and leadership changes.

This model does not rely on charisma or goodwill. It relies on structure.

Who This Call to Action Is For

This initiative is for organizations that are ready to move from intention to action, including:

• Youth-serving nonprofits

• Child welfare and government agencies

• Advocacy organizations and coalitions

• Foundations and philanthropic partners

• Schools, districts, and higher education institutions

If you believe youth leadership matters — this is for you.

What We’re Asking You to Do

1️⃣ Commit to Reflection and Learning

Acknowledge where your current youth engagement practices may fall short — and commit to doing better.

2️⃣ Join the Global Learning Session

Attend a live session:

“How to Build Youth Leadership With Real Power — With or Without a Board”

This session will unpack:

• Common pitfalls in youth engagement

• What meaningful youth governance looks like

• How the Youth-Led Systems Change Model works in practice

3️⃣ Explore Partnership or Licensing

Organizations ready to implement this model with fidelity can explore:

• Training and technical assistance

• Program model licensing

• Implementation monitoring and support

This is about building capacity; not dependency.

Why This Work Is Different

This model was not developed in theory. It was built through lived experience and real implementation.

Founded by a systems-impacted leader who grew up in foster care and went on to design, launch, and sustain a youth-led advisory board with measurable impact, this work exists to ensure:

• Youth are not asked to fix broken systems alone

• Adults are not set up to fail without guidance

• Youth leadership is honored with real power and protection

This is infrastructure for youth leadership, not performance.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Centering youth voice and adult responsibility

• Supporting organizations with compassion and clarity

• Protecting youth from harm, tokenism, and burnout

• Building systems that last

This is not about calling anyone out. It is about calling everyone in.

Join the Call to Action

If you are ready to move beyond performative youth engagement and toward youth-led systems change, we invite you to take the next step.

👉 Join the Learning Circle

👉 Register for the Global Learning Session

👉 Explore Partnership Opportunities

Youth leadership does not need more applause. It needs structure, trust, and power — built into our systems.

Let’s build it — together.