By Amy Meuers, NYLC CEO
As we look ahead after the 2024 presidential election, the National Youth Leadership Council is more determined than ever to empower young people in leading positive change within their communities. Today’s youth are at the forefront of addressing urgent social challenges, driven by a vision for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. During election cycles, when heightened emotions and uncertainty often arise, NYLC stands ready to support young people in processing these stresses. By providing tools to help youth channel their energy and ideas into constructive, impactful action, as detailed in our recent post on Supporting Young People Processing Election Stress, we offer them a path toward resilience and empowerment.
Guided by key priorities, NYLC is focused on amplifying youth voice and leadership grounded in integrity, empathy, and community-centered impact—ensuring young leaders are equipped and supported as they shape a brighter future for all.
- Integrity in Youth Leadership: Integrity is foundational for effective leadership, and NYLC’s programs help young people understand the power of leading with honesty and accountability. Through service-learning experiences, young people learn to align their actions with their values, inspiring trust within their communities and setting a strong example for others.
- Building Empathy Across Communities: We believe that empathy is essential to effective community leadership. By encouraging young people to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences, we will foster leaders who are compassionate and inclusive. This practice of empathy enables young people to connect deeply with those they serve, creating communities where everyone feels valued.
- Collective Action for Greater Impact: At NYLC, we emphasize the power of collective action. Young people learn that positive change is a shared endeavor that requires collaboration and partnership. Through community action, they develop the skills to mobilize peers and work with local organizations, learning firsthand how community-led solutions drive lasting impact.
- A Commitment to the Greater Good: Our focus is on building a generation of servant leaders committed to the greater good. Youth leaders who understand that their role is to uplift others and foster resilience within their communities, acting as stewards of positive social change.
Together, we can create a society where youth voices are amplified, leadership is grounded in empathy and integrity, and all communities benefit from the energy, commitment, and drive of engaged young people ready to make a difference. At NYLC, we stand alongside these young leaders, ready to support, inspire, and walk with them toward a future they are eager to shape.
Want to get involved?
- Subscribe to The Leader, our monthly newsletter providing free resources on youth leadership, youth voice, service-learning and more.
- Join a Community of Practice Each Community of Practice is a collaborative and dynamic space designed to support and enhance service-learning initiatives across various educational and professional landscapes. With three groups to choose from, you’ll find a place to connect and build community. Each group is guided by an experienced practitioner who can help you dig deeper into your practice.
- Register for a free Thought Leader Panel In times of change and challenge, NYLC’s Thought Leader Panels offer an essential space to explore innovative ideas in youth leadership and service-learning. These free, live sessions are designed to connect educators, students, and community leaders with visionaries who are shaping the future of education, civic engagement, and youth leadership. Join us to gain fresh insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to help young people become active, engaged citizens in their communities.
- Attend The National Service-Learning Conference® The National Service-Learning Conference is where passionate educators, youth leaders, and changemakers unite to amplify youth voice and empower the next generation of community leaders. By attending, you’ll gain access to hands-on workshops, inspiring keynotes, and valuable networking with peers who are committed to service-learning and civic engagement.
