Young Leaders for Health Equity and Civic Change is a collaboration between Creative Reaction Lab, youth leaders, and youth-serving organizations to co-create interventions that address racial and health disparities impacting specific communities.
Young Leaders for Health Equity and Civic Change is a youth leadership program (YLP) by Creative Reaction Lab (CRXLAB) that trains Black and Latino/a/x/e youth (26 years old and younger) to redesign unjust systems and create inclusive communities. Through the program, participants learn CRXLAB's Equity-Centered Community Design™ (ECCD) framework, enabling them to design and prototype interventions that address racial and health disparities impacting and tailored to their communities. Young Leaders for Health Equity and Civic Change primarily engages high school through college-aged youth in civic engagement and social entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills to address issues of injustice, inequality and inequity.
Participants must be...
Aged 14-26 at the time of the selected event;
A resident of the city in which the selected event is hosted; and,
Preferably of Black and or Latino/a/x/e racial identity.
Youth-Led Decision Making
Creative Reaction Lab recognizes the importance of youth voices and perspectives in shaping the future. The program actively involves young leaders in decision-making processes, shifting power to youth for them to have agency and influence over the direction of the program and the initiatives they undertake.
ECCD and Social Justice
The program combines the principles of Equity-Centered Community Design™ with a deep understanding of social justice. Participants learn to identify systemic inequities, challenge existing power structures, and develop innovative solutions that promote social change.
Curriculum and Training
Young leaders are instructed in an intensive curriculum that covers a range of topics, including social equity, leadership development, community engagement, and design for social impact. They also receive training on research techniques, project management, and communication skills.
Collaborative Projects
Participants work on real-world projects aimed at addressing specific social challenges in their communities. They engage in team-based collaborations, interact with community stakeholders, conduct research, and develop actionable strategies to create positive impact.
Mentorship and Support
Young leaders receive guidance and mentorship from experts in the fields of design, social justice, and community organizing. Mentors help participants navigate their projects, offer insights, and provide ongoing support during and after the program.
Community Engagement
Young Leaders for Health Equity and Civic Change emphasizes community engagement and encourages participants to work closely with local residents, organizations, and community leaders. By involving the community in the problem-solving process, the program ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and sustainable.
June 21-June 23, 2024
Click button to view event impact report.
March 28-30, 2025
Registration opens October 2024.
Want to bring Young Leaders for Health Equity and Civic Change to your community?
Contact Thomas Savage, Director of Learning Innovation and Design at thomas@crxlab.org.
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Event registration and participation is FREE for youth participants.
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We encourage participants to spread the word to family and friends! Please note that all youth must meet the participant requirements and must be separately registered for the selected event.
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Each event takes place over the course of a three-day weekend (Friday-Sunday). The first two days are typically eight hours with the third day being four hours. Hours may vary by event and can be found by accessing a specific host city's event page (above).
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The success of each event is the result of intentional partnership and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders in each city. Support can include youth recruitment, event promotion, sponsorship (venue, meals, materials), and/or speaking opportunities during the event.
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Reach out to Thomas Savage, Director of Learning Innovation and Design at thomas@crxlab.org for more information.
