We didn’t have the luxury of waiting. We had to move, fast, together, and in community. Our focus this year was simple: build an organized, galvanized network of young leaders, organizers and advocates who are prepared to keep their communities safe and to shape the future they envision.
That looked like putting on three Action Camps across the country and training hundreds of youth, educators, parents and community members to respond to real attacks in real time.
It looked like creating tools that multiply our strength, like the Protecting Immigrant Students Action Kit, now used nationwide. It didn’t come from us alone, our partners in Chicago had pieces, Phoenix had pieces, Denver had pieces. We braided the wisdom together. Seeing that kit in the hands of parents and teachers has given me a deep sense of purpose in a year that has felt, honestly, very heavy.
And it looked like watching young people rise to the moment.
I’ve seen Black, immigrant, and queer students stand up for each other because they understand their struggles are connected. I’ve watched organizers share skills in real time, and I’ve watched every day young people lean into their genius and leadership because they know what’s at stake.
These convenings have been essential. Relationships are what make campaigns sustainable, effective, and rooted in community. The current administration is targeting all of us, which is why we have to be in person and in community together to build resilience, power, and skill. Being in those rooms changed people. It grounded me, too.
I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, in a family committed to education, racial justice, and serving community. I know what it looks like when people refuse to abandon their young people. I saw that spirit over and over again this year.
And that’s why today matters.
Your Giving Tuesday gift helps us meet moments like these with strategy instead of fear. It fuels convenings, trainings, rapid response, all the work that makes it possible for young people to show up with courage when they’re being targeted.
Thank you for being part of this. Truly. None of us are doing this alone.
The future is ours because our people are building it every single day.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Tyler
