Join NYJN

Organizations and individual advocates that align with our mission are invited to apply to become NYJN members and join a community of like-minded individuals committed to creating transformative change that benefits young people. Becoming a member means belonging to a powerful network dedicated to driving transformative change in youth justice. We are creating an ecosystem of dynamic and interconnected organizations, stakeholders, and resources working collaboratively to dismantle systemic racism and other forms of oppression and promote justice models rooted in healing, equity, and accountability. 

Membership types:

Organizational Members  

We seek organizations that engage in youth justice policy advocacy, organizing, litigation and systems transformation strategies locally, regionally, or nationally; or engage in an intersectional area of work where collaboration with youth justice advocates would be mutually beneficial.

Organizational members may include:

• Non-profit policy and advocacy organizations
• Youth- and family-led organizations
• Community-based organizations, law firms, legal clinics, and service providers that combine direct services to youth and families with systems change strategies
• National advocacy organizations

Youth Justice Leadership Institute Alumni Members

We encourage all Graduates of NYJN’s Youth Justice Leadership Institute (YJLI) to join NYJN. All YJLI alumni automatically receive free NYJN membership for one year after their graduation.

Young People and Family Members

We seek young people who have lived experience in the justice system or families with a loved one who has experienced the justice system to join our movement.

Community-Based Members 

We encourage individual advocates that support or aspire to engage in youth justice work on a local, state, or national level, but do not meet the qualifications for organizational member, YJLI alumni member, or youth and family member, to join our movement. This can include, but is not limited to, community advocates and students.

Please note that individual members will retain membership regardless of organizational affiliation, and organizational members will retain membership even if original staff contacts leave the organization.

Benefits of NYJN membership:

As a member, you and your organization will gain access to invaluable resources, expert guidance, and collaborative opportunities that amplify your impact, including:

Policy & Advocacy Support

• Strategic campaign consultation and  technical assistance
• Access to webinars, workshops and trainings to strengthen your advocacy skills
• Highlights of emerging research, policy platforms, and advances in the field
• Connections to national partners, funders and cross-systems experts
• Direct legislative aid (testimony support, letters of support/opposition)
• Support with building campaign advocacy toolkits

Member-to-Member Learning and Networking

• Discussion listserv for peer support, networking, information and action-alert sharing
• Members-only working groups on key issues such as: Youth Detention Conditions; Minimum Age of Prosecution; Custodial Interrogation; and, Narrative Change 
• Discounts and travel assistance to NYJN’s Forum and regional events
• Members-only listserv

Communications & Narrative Organizing

• Communications planning and crisis response assistance
• Access to a national youth justice narrative organizing coalition with peer messaging support, skills training and long-term narrative power building 
• Uplifting member work on NYJN platforms

Organizational and Leadership Development

• Assistance in identifying funding opportunities and grant proposal reviews
• Coalition-building support that centers young people
• Learn and practice Healing Justice-based advocacy and organizing strategies
• Opportunities new or seasoned advocates to cultivate advocacy skills

Membership Dues

Dues are crucial to NYJN’s policy and legislative work on behalf of the states, putting together virtual and in-person membership spaces, and action on federal issues. Your dues also demonstrate the commitment of each NYJN member to our organization’s ongoing work and long-term success. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we collect membership dues on a tiered scale. NYJN membership is based on yearly renewal.

This is our sliding scale for membership dues, members may pick whichever category best describes them: