Service Academy’s Post

“They just need someone to give them a voice.” I’ve heard this phrase countless times in advocacy spaces, and every time, it stops me. Not only because it’s wrong, but because it misses a deeper truth: people already have voices—they’re just too often ignored. At SBNC, we don’t aim to be a “voice for the voiceless.” Instead, we work to amplify the voices of students who are already leading the way. From advocating for food assistance to pushing for systemic change, these student leaders don’t need someone to speak for them—they need systems and spaces that value what they have to say. True advocacy isn’t about taking center stage; it’s about clearing the path for others. By investing in leadership, honoring lived experiences, and making room for diverse perspectives, we build solutions that are not just effective but deeply equitable. What are some ways you’ve seen this kind of leadership in action? Let’s continue the conversation about listening, empowering, and learning from those who are already leading change. #HigherEducation #StudentAffairs #StudentSuccess #CivicEngagement #SocialImpact #Philanthropy

It is always inspiring when your staff has opportunities to grow and help your business expand its impact. So, we are sharing great news about one of our child advocates. The Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) recently chose Christy Nunley to take part in its second annual Emerging Leaders of Color Fellowship. She will join thirty-five other exceptional Indiana youth workers of color who are involved in the cohort, which starts in January. The program is part of the Indiana Youth Worker Well-Being Project. That collaborative statewide program focuses on ‘caring for those who serve our kids.’ More specifically, it serves youth development professionals employed with community-based agencies, such as Child Advocates, that support the educational, social, emotional, and physical development of Indiana youth aged five to 18. 👉And the program also helps ensure that youth organizations increase and sustain progress toward being welcoming and inclusive workplaces and closing equity gaps in leadership.  Christy and other professionals working with youth will participate in an intensive six-month training and development series designed to enhance leadership capabilities and provide opportunities to cultivate robust community networks. Christy said, “I am excited and grateful for the opportunity being provided by Indiana Youth Institute. I believe it will be an opportunity to grow and advance my skills as a leader. I look forward to learning different approaches and techniques that will help further develop and enhance my ability to be a successful leader.” Our CEO, Phyllis Armstrong, said, "It's wonderful that IYI’s Indiana Youth Worker Well-Being Project awarded Christy with this leadership training and development opportunity. She has dedicated her career to serving youth. Her participation in the cohort will enhance Christy’s leadership." Learn more about IYI's next Emerging Leaders of Color Fellowship coming up in 2025 and how and when to apply here: https://bit.ly/3ViFtJy #leadership #diversity #equity #inclusion #dei #fellowship #growth #opportunity #nonprofit #youth #youthworkers

Did You Know? 🤔 📌 1.5 million students in the U.S. are identified as experiencing homelessness under McKinney-Vento programs. 📌 Foster care youth are 2.5x more likely to drop out of high school than their peers. 📌 Schools with mentorship and trauma-informed leadership programs see a 25% boost in academic performance! 💡 Want to make an impact? Let’s talk about creating equitable opportunities for these students. Together, we can change the stats. 🌟 👉 Drop a 💬 below or DM me to learn more!

So, Why Engage Youth in Community Service? Most of the times, individuals, entities and initiatives ignore the power of involving the young people on matters of serving the community. But in reality, engaging youth in community service not only benefits the community but also nurtures a sense of responsibility and empathy among young people. When these young people volunteer their time and skills, they learn valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and civic engagement. Community service projects such as environmental clean-ups, mentoring programs, and food drives provide opportunities for young people to make a tangible impact and contribute positively to society. How can we create more opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful community service? It's time to explore innovative ways to inspire and support young volunteers in making a difference in their communities. Together, we can empower the next generation of compassionate leaders. Photo: Green Generation Initiative #YouthService #Volunteerism #CommunityEngagement #Empowerment #CivicResponsibility

Youth-serving organizations almost always emphasize cultivating leadership skills, but how often are those youth empowered to be the architects of their own vision when putting those skills into practice? How often are youth set to work executing a vision that adults have already created, on their behalf? Kate Lord and Janae Phillips of She's the First, a global organization that teams up with grassroots leaders to make sure girls are educated, respected, and heard, share what they’ve learned from making the leap into youth-led advocacy campaigns: 💡Commit to living in a girl’s world (you work for them) 💡Be prepared to go BIG 💡Embrace (and trust) big feelings 💡Work to translate your jargon 💡Give permission to fail Learn how your organization can yield decision-making power to the youth you work with 👉 https://lnkd.in/eYsK9gDU

📣 Apply by tomorrow, 6/26, for "Leading with Race Equity: Building a Stronger Culture and Practice"! 🌟 This initiative, crafted in partnership with True North EDI, offers a four-month peer cohort learning experience designed specifically for foundation leaders looking to foster racial equity effectively within their organizations. The program will help you: 💡 Understand key concepts like implicit bias and structural racism. ⚙ Develop tools to counteract racial bias. 🔎 Refine grantmaking and operational strategies to ensure equitable outcomes. This is more than training—it’s a transformational journey for your entire team, empowering you to make impactful changes internally and in the communities you serve. 👉 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eG4Z_3Py #RacialEquity #SocialJustice #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact

Leadership matters. Let’s continue the important work of fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable boardrooms. As a BoardSource board member, I am excited to share: Awareness to Action: A Guide for Boards and Chief Executives on a Racial Equity Journey. This powerful resource is designed to support nonprofit leaders in centering racial equity within their organizations. Whether your board is just starting out or is actively embedding equity into its work, this guide offers practical steps and frameworks to advance the journey. Learn more about this essential resource and join the conversation about creating lasting change in our sector. https://lnkd.in/gce7d-zE #NonprofitLeadership #RacialEquity #BoardGovernance #DiversityAndInclusion #SocialImpact

In the spring of 2021 we held pilot meetings in the Northeastern region of Minnesota. Soon after, in the summer of 2021 through the spring of 2022, we traveled (virtually) across rural Minnesota region by region. Then, in early fall we held meetings in the metro counties and areas. These convenings created connections with women, strategies to better support each other, explored existing formal and informal networks, and identified barriers and opportunities to overcome. Two topics that were especially discussed were woman leadership and the importance of mentorship. Additionally, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we discussed the challenges of COVID and what positives we can take forward. Our goal was to ignite action in community, leadership, civic engagement, and rural entrepreneurship, while simultaneously identifying opportunities and connecting women with each other. Check out our 100 in 100 project - https://lnkd.in/eBFz52nb

What if you could help shape the leaders of tomorrow? Rising Leaders is committed to unlocking the potential within each young adult we serve. Through mentorship, education, and community involvement, we inspire change and foster growth. Get involved and be a part of a movement that is transforming lives and communities. Get in touch to discuss your needs. 🔗risingleaderscincy.org #RisingLeaders #GenerationalPoverty #LifeGivingWork

🚨 #Funding #Opportunity Alert - Youth Focused #Leadership Work Our friends at the Paul G. Allen Family #Foundation have the following opportunity for funding available: *********************************** The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Announces $5M in Funding for Programs Empowering Young People in Washington State. “Mobilizing Young Leaders Across Washington State,” will award multi-year grants in the amount of up to $500K, with a total funding of approximately $5 million to new and existing programs. The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation supports youth in acting on the issues they care about. Research shows that when youth are activated around their interests and passions, they gain the confidence and tools needed to engage with each other and the world.            In Washington, more than 22% of the state’s population is under the age of 19 years old (according to the 2022 Census). And their influence cannot be understated. Analysts predict Gen Z could be the most influential generational cohort in history – with their influence shaping economics, the environment, and society.     The objective of the RFP is to support new and existing programs in Washington state that develop youth engagement and build youth power through leadership training, civic engagement, and/or youth organizing. To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/g-WrfMy3