By Amy Meuers, NYLC CEO

History is shaped by those who dare to lead. From Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance against British rule to Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid, from George Washington’s role in founding a nation to Martin Luther King Jr.’s unwavering pursuit of civil rights—each of these remarkable leaders changed the course of history.  

What do they have in common? Despite being born in different eras, across continents, and into vastly different circumstances, their leadership journeys began in youth. Their formative experiences—both hardships and opportunities—molded them into transformational figures. They were not born into greatness; they grew into it through resilience, a commitment to justice, and an unshakable belief in creating a better world.  

These leaders didn’t wait for permission to act—they saw injustice, recognized their power to create change, and took action. Their leadership was not about titles or positions; it was about purpose. And just as they once stood up to lead, the young people of today are doing the same.  At NYLC, we know that the next generation of leaders is already among us. Leadership isn’t an inherited trait—it’s developed through experience, mentorship, and action. That’s why we are renewing our commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead with purpose and empathy to make meaningful change happen.  

Introducing NYLC’s Expanded Mission and Vision!  

After months of reflection and collaboration, we are excited to share NYLC’s newly expanded mission and vision, reinforcing our dedication to youth leadership, youth voice, and service-learning:  

MISSION: NYLC equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to amplify their voices and co-create a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.  

VISION: We envision a world where every young person engages in social action and is recognized as essential to civic society.  

This expansion is more than just words—it’s a renewed promise. We recognize that leadership doesn’t start in adulthood; it begins in youth. And at NYLC, we are committed to ensuring that young people have the opportunities, support, and encouragement they need to develop as changemakers.  

For over four decades, we have empowered young people to lead through service-learning, but our work is evolving. The world is changing, and so must our approach. By strengthening our commitment to youth leadership and voice—while continuing to advance service-learning—we will empower a generation of engaged individuals who not only recognize injustice but take action to challenge it. 

This shift is about more than just preparing future leaders—it’s about making space for youth to lead now. It’s about listening to their ideas, valuing their perspectives, and recognizing that they have the power to drive change today, not just tomorrow. When young people are given the tools to lead, they create solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. They organize climate action movements, advocate for racial and social justice, develop innovative community programs, and inspire those around them to think differently. They don’t just imagine a better world—they build it.  

At NYLC, we know that leadership is not a solo journey—it’s a collective effort. That’s why we’re inviting educators, policymakers, community leaders, and individuals from all walks of life to join us in this movement.  

Together, we can:  

• Create meaningful opportunities for youth to lead in their communities.  
• Champion policies that support youth voice in decision-making.  
• Foster an intergenerational culture of mentorship and collaboration.  
• Strengthen service-learning as a tool for civic engagement.  

The future of leadership starts here—with young people, with action, and with all of us working together. The question isn’t whether youth can lead—it’s whether we will support them in doing so.  

Join us in empowering the next generation of changemakers. The time is now.