About YP4

In 2004, People For the American Way Foundation launched a strategic, long-term leadership initiative, Young People For (YP4), to invest in the next generation of leaders and build a long-term national network for young progressives. YP4 serves motivated, socially aware, diverse and creative young adults who are emerging leaders in their communities, and works with them to create positive change in their communities while empowering the newest generations of skilled, progressive leaders who will lead with progressive values, make progress in their communities today, and create sustainable change over the long term. We offer resources, guidance and a wide variety of ongoing opportunities for young leaders to connect with other progressive leaders and organizations, plan and execute projects of their choosing, and learn valuable leadership, communication, organizing, collaboration and advocacy skills.

We're building for the future...now.

For over 30 years, ultraconservatives have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in young people and built an infrastructure that initiates young people into the radical right movement through campus activism, leadership training and career development. Their investments have paid off.

If progressives want to achieve the same sort of political success that the radical right has enjoyed for the past two decades, we're going to have to do more than focus on the next round of elections and pay lip service to engaging young people. We must make a serious, long-term investment in our next generation of progressive leaders – now.

Young people provide a vital infusion of ideas, energy and passion to the progressive movement right now, and their commitment to continued activism and leadership is critical to building a progressive future.

Young People For is taking a stand for progressive values and providing young adults with the opportunities to become powerful advocates for social change in their communities.