Become a Member

We need you!

Multiple crises are hitting our communities hard: the cost of housing, climate change, mental health, and more. Yet, youth are given few opportunities to exercise their power and voice to shape their lives and address these urgent issues. We know that things aren’t going to change on their own, and we need young leaders who will rise up and take action! If you want to make change, we need you!

At SBYC, youth members meet throughout the school year to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to become leaders for social justice in our communities. Members also work in committees on projects and organizing campaigns that advance SBYC's vision of youth power and people over profit in the South Bay.

New to SBYC? Apply here!
Returning member? Apply here!

What would I do as a member?

  • Issues like racism and mental health aren’t just ideas. They have real impacts on our personal lives. As a member, you will have the opportunity to learn about social and political issues in the South Bay and explore how they affect you, your family, and your community.

  • Community organizing is the process of building power by bringing many people behind a united cause. It’s SBYC’s primary approach to making change!

  • Our membership is divided into three committees:

    • Our Outreach Committee focuses on SBYC’s recruitment efforts, building SBYC’s profile in the community, and representing SBYC at local outreach opportunities.

    • Our Communications Committee focuses on SBYC's communications work, including social media, content creation, and creating narratives that advance social change.

    • Our Core Committee focuses on SBYC's campaign development and strategy (currently restricted to returning members).

    By working in your committee, you will practice storytelling, public speaking, facilitating group conversations, doing community outreach, and more!

  • You will meet youth from around the county who are also passionate about social justice! We cultiovate a community culture where people can be their real selves and grow in a judgment-free environment.

  • Each SBYC member receives personalized, one-on-one support for their growth from our staff. We will support you in developing an awareness of your strengths and growth edges, setting specific goals for your leadership development, and finding opportunities to meet these goals.

Schedule and Logistics

⬥ Membership runs on the basis of a full school year. We will meet from mid September to early December during the fall semester, and mid January to mid May during the spring semester.
⬥ We meet three to four times a month:

  • General meetings once a month on Saturdays in-person from 10 AM-2 PM (lunch is provided). This fall, we will meet on September 20, October 11, November 8, and December 6.

  • Committee meetings on Zoom from 5-6:30 PM. Starting the week of September 22, Outreach Committee will meet every other Wednesday, and Communications Committee will meet every other Thursday. Core Committee will meet every Tuesday (except for weeks that we have general meetings in person).

  • Core Committee will have an additional committee meeting from 2-3:30 PM after each of the Saturday general meetings listed above.

⬥ Additionally, all new members must reserve September 13-14 for our in person New Member Orientation.
⬥ In-person sessions take place at the SBYC office in East San Jose. Support for transportation to and from the office is available.
⬥ It is free of cost to become a member.

What kind of person are we looking for?

Membership is open to all high school-aged youth in the South Bay (Santa Clara County). No previous skills or experience is needed to apply! We are looking for someone who:
⬥ Values justice and improving their community
⬥ Wants to grow as a leader in their community
⬥ Is looking for a community of like-minded peers
⬥ Is willing to engage with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints with an open mind

As an Asian American organization, we will center Asian* American experiences in our membership, but all high school students are welcome to apply!
*For SBYC, Asian includes Southeast Asians, South Asians, East Asians, West Asians, Central Asians, and North Asians.

Application Process

Applications are now open and are due on Sunday, August 24! Applicants may be contacted for a 30 minute interview before being notified of the final decision in early September.

Interested applicants are also invited to our Back 2 School Picnic on Saturday, August 23rd, where they can connect with SBYC staff and other youth.

For any questions, please contact info@youthchangemakers.org!

RSVP for the Back 2 School Picnic!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • SBYC believes that everyone has the potential to be a leader in transforming society. We value group-centered leaders who collaborate and invest in the growth of the whole group, not just a few charismatic leaders. As a member, we will support you in finding your unique strengths and challenge you to transform into a powerful youth leader.


    Being a member is a special opportunity to connect with people from different schools and communities across the South Bay in an immersive, vulnerable, fun, and judgment-free environment. Many of our past participants have shared how radically different the environment feels compared to school and other spaces they are used to.

  • We definitely want you to apply! You don’t need prior experience with activism and social justice, and we know it can be intimidating to get involved. If you want to get involved but don’t know where to start, this is the right place for you!

  • Our membership is hybrid, with in-person programming occurring at our office in East San Jose and virtual programming taking place on Zoom. Support with transportation to and from the office is available.

  • SBYC recognizes that Asian is a very broad term that includes many different backgrounds and experiences. We welcome Asians of all ethnicities, Asians of different socioeconomic backgrounds, immigrants and refugees, adoptees, mixed race Asians, etc. We welcome you even if you don’t feel Asian, or if you don’t feel comfortable in Asian/Asian American spaces.

  • Membership is organized by a team of young Asian American adults who work at SBYC. Many of us grew up in the South Bay and are dedicated to transforming our home for the better! We are passionate about this work because we want to provide an experience that we wish we could have when we were in high school.

  • We will do our best to accommodate your access needs, whether it is technology, health, transportation, religious, or other needs.

  • Generally, members do not receive stipends, except for members on the Core Committee, who do receive a stipend because of the higher level of time commitment and leadership required. SBYC’s stipend policy is dynamic and decided annually based on our budget and membership model; this year, core leaders will receive a stipend of $600 for the school year, distributed in two payments at the end of each semester.

  • SBYC takes public health seriously. We will ask for proof of vaccination (including the booster shot). We will require rapid tests for in-person meetings, require masking during COVID-19 surges locally, and provide rapid tests and masks to you.

  • We would love to connect with you! Please fill out our interest form and we’ll get in touch with you!