What is The YAC Track?

The YAC Track is a Memphis-based Youth-Powered Advocacy and Community Organizing Certificate Program for youth and adults who want to build skills and gain hands-on experience in youth centered social change work.

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How do I get Started?

Step 1: Fill out this form. You will receive an email that you've been enrolled in The YAC Track.
Step 2: Join The YAC Track Groupme and start working towards your certification. 

Step 3: Click on events/actions/trainings on the calendar below to see their event details. Choose what aligns with your interest around social change. Sign up at least a day in advance by telling us you're coming in the GroupMe! Check the full calendar to see what's coming! 
 
Step 4: After each credit building event/action /training, Fill out the Credit Log Tracker.
Step 5: Get your 10 credits! You can keep track here. When you get to 10, we will reach out to invite you to a 1 on 1 at the YAC where you will get a swag bag, be interviewed on your experience, have a photo session and get an overview of all opportunities available to you now that you've become certified!
Use this form to submit events and/or trainings to be considered for the YAC Track! Events should pertain to youth-centered social change. Trainings should help people build advocacy and organizing skills.

Why Youth Centered?

We believe youth power is essential to building a more just and liberated future. Young people have always helped lead change, and real progress happens when adults work alongside youth—not for them.

We center youth-led opportunities because young people are too often overshadowed in advocacy and organizing spaces.

Some events are for youth ages 25 and under, but adult allies are encouraged to join open events and complete the certification track. Lasting change takes all of us working together for social justice.

How does it work?

The YAC Track trains and exposes youth and adults to social justice work happening right now in Memphis!

Through a series of events, actions, training and workshops "YAC Trackers" gain credit hours. At 10 credits, you earn a Youth and adult Advocacy and Community organizing (YAC) certification and will be recognized as part of our next YAC Event as well as highlighted through social media. This certification shows potential employers, leadership groups and colleges that you have substantial skills and experience in advocacy and community organizing. While 10 credits gets you certified, those who have 25+ hours will receive further recognition (and YAC swag)!
In addition, those who receive the certification will be invited to join the Intergenerational CORE of the BRIDGES Youth Action Center and be a part of strengthening the YAC Track for the future. Those certified will also be prioritized for positions in the Youth Action Center such as Shelby County Youth Council, Bayard Rustin Social Change Fellows, YAC Social Change Fellowship, InterCORE, and YAC Staff positions.

If you have any questions, reach us at [email protected]!