We hope that you were able to wrap up 2025 with gratitude, joy and rest. We have been engaging in some deep strategic planning for what we want NYJN to look like through 2026 and beyond.
Powered by the needs of our community and members, our focus for 2026 is on building a unified and diverse strategy for continued advancement in our mission to decriminalize youth. By fostering connection and unity we will create and expand more spaces for our members to imagine, collaborate, learn from each other, and grow the mycelium that will make our movement stronger.
Here are some of the things we’re planning to do this year to further that goal:
- Holding our 15th Youth Justice Leadership Institute Cohort to support advocates, healers and movement-builders – learn more and apply here!
- Holding our Annual Forum to bring together youth and advocates from across the country to strategize and build power together.
- Building a digital hub to educate,share information and build relationships.
- Restarting our National Workgroups on Raising the Minimum Age, Narrative Change, and Custodial Interrogation.
- Hosting regular membership meetings to strengthen our membership base by creating more spaces for members to connect with each other and with NYJN.
- Providing education and opportunities to uplift the work of our members through webinars and publications.
- Improving our local work through direct advocacy partnerships with local and statewide policy, organizing, and litigation partners.
- Continuing to provide technical assistance to our members related to policy advocacy.
Times are dark in many ways right now. While the path towards youth decriminalization may not be easy, we are heartened by the amazing advocates in our community. We know that with unity and connection we shall persevere and create the lasting change that our young people need.