[[link removed]]
[[link removed]]
Happy Friday, John!
As August comes to a close, we’re taking this moment to recognize and celebrate the resilience and community action that are fueling our vision for a brighter future.
This month, we’re highlighting the power of young people organizing for democracy nationwide. MOVE Texas is standing firm against gerrymandering [[link removed]] aimed at silencing Black, Latine, and youth voters. One APIA Nevada is nurturing the next generation of AANHPI leaders [[link removed]] , showing that youth leadership is already shaping our communities.
In his latest Substack [[link removed]] posts, Dakota reflects on turning urgency into lasting momentum through organizing frameworks and lived experiences that remind us why this fight matters. Together, these stories paint a clear picture that youth power is here, building the future of our democracy.
Read on for a closer look at the Alliance Network’s August of organizing and youth leadership.
[[link removed]]
The Fight for Fair Maps in Texas
Since July 7, MOVE Texas has been leading the fight against the Legislature’s attempt to redraw political maps engineered to lock in up to five new Republican seats by weakening the voting power of Black, Latine, and young Texans in major cities.
Over the past two months, MOVE and partner organizations rallied hundreds of people across the state to “Fight the Trump Takeover” of Texas [[link removed]] . They encouraged Texans to testify, led chants in packed hearing rooms, kept company with those waiting hours to speak, and equipped communities with the tools to call, comment, and write in opposition.
Despite overwhelming public resistance, the Legislature passed the map through both chambers. But for MOVE Texas and many others, this isn’t the end of the fight. As the governor prepares to sign the maps, MOVE Texas is preparing for what comes next.
Interim Executive Director Mia Balderas captured the moment: “While the governor might be comfortable taking those actions, we know that the fight is not over. We know that the maps will most likely head to our courts to be challenged, but here over at MOVE Texas, we're already thinking about what comes next. And again, we're always focused on where true power lies, and we know that that's with our voters. And we know that we're also gearing up for National Voter Registration Day in September. They can try to confine us. They can place us in their boundaried lines. And at the end of the day, it is always left up to the voter. When all of us as voters show up in the 2026 election, starting with our primaries in March and then in the November elections, again, we are showing up to those polls to exercise our power to vote …”
Moments like this highlight the resilience of young people and youth-led organizations. MOVE Texas isn’t backing down. Instead, they’re building a movement stronger than the Legislature ever anticipated, backed by allies and leaders nationwide.
Learn more about MOVE Texas [[link removed]] .
Follow MOVE Texas [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]
Youth Power in Nevada
After a six-week youth leadership series, One APIA Nevada wrapped their fellowship with the “Beneath the Surface” Scavenger Hunt, [[link removed]] a day of food, fun, and community grounded in deeper conversations about democracy and leadership.
Youth Community Organizer Nelson Chen reminded participants why this work matters far beyond their own state: “This isn’t just about one state. If democracy is undermined in Texas, it affects us all. We need to fight back.”
That urgency resonated throughout the day. Targeted Community Organizer Kenale Ainuu also highlighted the lawsuits, protests, and organizing happening nationwide in response to the gerrymandering in Texas. He reminded students that leadership doesn’t wait until you’re older or in a position of power. It starts with awareness and grows when you take action.
The fellowship closed on a high note, with Executive Director Eric Jeng affirming One APIA’s long-term vision, “Every participant is an investment in Nevada’s future. We are cultivating leaders who will carry our communities forward—not just for today, but for generations to come.”
From Texas to Nevada, one thing is clear: young people are not only preparing to lead our world in the future, they are taking charge right now. And across the country, their voices are shaping the fight for a democracy that works for everyone.
Read their piece in Chinese Voices [[link removed]]
Learn more about One APIA Nevada [[link removed]]
Follow One APIA Nevada [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]
The Ground Game: Insights & Analysis
Each month, our Executive Director, Dakota Hall, breaks down the latest developments in policy, activism, and social movements with a series of blog posts offering critical analysis of the issues currently shaping our communities. Check out his pieces from August:
* In The ABCs of Organizing [[link removed]] , Dakota tackles the ever-common challenge facing youth organizers: how to turn urgency into lasting momentum. Rather than focusing only on passion, registration numbers, or one-off campaign wins, he argues that the real transformation comes from weaving short-term victories into long-term community strength. His ABCs [[link removed]] — A dvocacy, B ase-building, C ivic engagement, D evelopment, and E lectoral programs—offer a practical framework to channel youthful energy into enduring power that is resilient through setbacks, adaptable to change, and bold enough to grow.
* In From the Corner Store to the White House [[link removed]] , Dakota transforms summer nostalgia into a sharp call to action for working-class communities too often left behind. What once was a 99¢ AriZona Iced Tea is now a reminder of how “big picture” policies hit hardest in small, everyday ways. Dakota connects those childhood summers to a bigger truth: working-class families are paying the price while political leaders insist it’s for our own good.
Read More Here! [[link removed]]
Your partnership fuels our work and strengthens our movement. Together, we’re building a democracy that truly works for everyone.
Selasi Tagbor Morales
Communications Coordinator
[link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]]
Learn about The Network! [[link removed]]
Alliance for Youth Action
650 Massachusetts Ave NW
Ste 600
Washington, DC 20001
United States
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .