Teen Programming & Youth Advocacy

If Y youth are our future, that future is bright! 

Dominic, an active member of the Irving Park YMCA's Teen Leaders Club, the YMCA Teen Advisory Council, and YMCA Youth and Government, served on the 2024 Democratic National Convention’s Youth Advisory Committee, when the Convention was hosted in Chicago. Dominic celebrated his 18th birthday attending the DNC and was even interviewed by WGN about his experience! 

Cielo, a Youth & Government participant was selected in 2024 to be one of only two YMCA Youth Advocates from the State of Illinois. She will travel to Washington, DC in early 2025 alongside youth from every state. There, they will attend classes on the Y’s Legislative Priorities, meet with national and local congressional staff, and work on leadership skills. The students then attend meetings with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for the Y!