Overview
YWCA NYC’s Girls Initiatives Leadership Programs offers young people aged 14-18 from diverse backgrounds a dynamic and innovative approach to developing their leadership skills. Our signature programs Amplifying Multiple Perspectives and Step in and Stop it! Bystander Intervention Training equip our self-identified girls and gender non-conforming youth with the skills they need to make an impact in their communities.
Applications are available prior to the start of each program. Please revisit our website. You may also contact us at [email protected] to be added to our email list.
YW AMP Leadership©
Through an examination of social identity, girls will have the opportunity to advance gender equity and racial justice, becoming agents of change in their community and expanding their social justice network.
AMP offers youth the opportunity to develop and define their individual leadership and collective capacity. Participants develop their critical thinking and leadership skills, self-awareness and build networks to fight for gender justice.
Sessions meet from October-March, followed by a 1-month internship with a local social justice organization.
Step In and Stop It! Bystander Intervention Training
This program arms young people with the tools to be the change NYC needs today by standing up and speaking out for what’s right. After intensive training on bystander intervention, participants share what they know by facilitating workshops across the city on what it means to be an upstander. Participants should be ready to empower their voice with other young activists from around NYC. This a paid opportunity for young activists.
Sessions meet from October-February, followed by a ‘train the trainer’ program where participants have the opportunity to implement their new training skills at a partner site.
ARTivism Boot Camp
Offered during mid-Winter recess or Spring break, this 3-day intensive uses art to explore identity, social awareness, and activism!
Participants will be engaged in interactive workshops that creatively examine social change through artistic expression, music, games, field trips and more!
Summer Intensives
Summer programming takes place for 1-2 weeks in July, engaging participants in experiments, activities, guest speakers, project coaching, and more! Each summer we enjoy fun in the sun as we activate our inner activist, attending weekly field trips and festive events across the city. Past Summer themes include:
– STEAAM & Social Justice
– Feminist Seminar Series
– Amplifying Multiple Perspectives (A.M.P)