Our Strategic Focus Areas
Four areas. One movement. Tap or hover over each priority card to explore our strategies.
Change the Narrative
Tap to flip 🔄Change the Narrative
Young people are more than statistics, stereotypes, or labels. We work to change the way policymakers, communities, and the public understand young people—and build a more accurate story about opportunity, potential, and adulthood.
Explore Movement & StoriesForm the Evidence
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Good advocacy starts with good information. We connect advocates and decision-makers with research, data, and tools that help explain the experiences of young people and identify policies that can improve them.
Explore Advocacy 101Build the Movement
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Change doesn't happen alone. NAYYAA connects young advocates across the country to build a stronger movement for youth economic mobility.
Explore Events PageShape the Policy
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Policy shapes opportunities. We work to advance policies that remove barriers, expand opportunities, and give young people a meaningful voice in the systems that affect their lives.
Explore Policy 101What is the NAYYAA?
NAYYAA is a national alliance of youth advocates and allies working to create equitable pathways for young people as they transition into adulthood. Our work brings together research, advocacy, narrative change, and movement building to address the systems that shape young people's economic mobility.
Why We Do This
As a country, we have failed our young people. To truly change that, we must start with a comprehensive vision for their successful transition to adulthood―a vision that celebrates their power and helps them achieve independence, pursue meaning, secure stability, and find happiness. To this end, NAYYAA was created to give youth a platform to learn about policy and advocacy so that they can lead their own movement for change.
Youth Stories & Testimonials
"We have some incredible programs serving young people, but we only have a small fraction of what we need. Together with young people and our partners, we will strive to ensure all youth can look forward to futures with hope and access to supportive pathways to follow their dreams.
— Dr. Mary Ann (Mimi) Haley, Executive Director, National Youth Employment Coalition
“We know that, when evidence is harnessed the right way, it can transform outcomes. This Alliance is what we need now: new ways to ensure that we have the data and research we need to make our case.”
— Dr. Stephanie McGencey, Executive Director, American Youth Policy Forum
“We reach thousands of youth and young adults now, but youth-serving programs are ready to serve so many more. With stronger coalitions and more investment, we can see an economic payoff while engaging young people in the transition to a green economy.”
— Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO, The Corps Network
“Young people are showing the way to a more equitable and inclusive society and economy. By centering young people, The National Alliance of Youth and Young Adult Advocates will ensure that the voices of the young are heard by our leaders.”
— Indivar Dutta-Gupta, President and Executive Director, Center for Law and Social Policy
