South Bay Youth Changemakers is the home of resilient, collaborative, and principled Asian-American youth leaders who are committed to building a just and equitable future for the South Bay. We are based in Santa Clara County, California.
42%
#4
Asians make up 42% of Santa Clara County residents, and that number is growing. We make up almost half the voters and voices in our region, yet our communities are rarely directly consulted or organized. SBYC youth are engaging Asian-American residents across generations to mobilize for equity and justice locally.
San Jose is ranked 4th on the global list of ‘Impossibly Unaffordable” cities. Just 0.1% of families own 70% of the wealth in our area. Cost of living is skyrocketing, displacing families and making it impossible for young people to imagine a future here. SBYC youth are envisioning and building a South Bay that puts people over profit.
Least
Asian-American youth are the least likely among ethnic groups to access behavioral health and wellness resources. In the midst of school and work pressure, and the isolation of our suburban landscape, our programs enable youth to feel connected, empowered, and healthy.
To develop youth leaders who are resilient, collaborative, and principled in their work to organize for a more just and sustainable society.
MISSION
VISION
Our communities govern in the interest of the public.
Young people show up as their whole selves. They are treated as autonomous, full beings who actively participate in decisions affecting their lives and communities.
Youth and adults work together to shape the South Bay according to values of interdependence, equity, and collective care.
THEORY OF CHANGE
When youth are given the opportunity to participate in real and impactful social change efforts in their communities, their mental health and overall sense of wellbeing improves. When young people’s resilience and wellbeing grows, they are able to contribute innovative and lasting solutions to the problems facing our communities. At SBYC we have seen that these two processes feed each other: the stronger our youth, the stronger our communities, and vice versa.
That’s why our year-round programs combine tailored leadership development and deep attention to youth wellness with rigorous training in community organizing. Click through to learn more about the strategic approach and concrete impact of these two integrated dimensions of our work.
