Before We Were YAN, We Were...
The Youth Violence Prevention Taskforce
Originating as Santa Cruz County's coalition with over 60 members across various sectors, including schools, law enforcement, government, youth, community volunteers, and program service providers, the YVPT aimed to address youth violence.
In 2013, the YVPT achieved a significant milestone by completing the first Santa Cruz County status report on Youth Violence. Harnessing the insights from this report, the task force crafted a comprehensive, long-term countywide strategic plan. With a mission to reduce youth violence, the YVPT focuses on ensuring supportive and functioning families, fostering safe and vibrant neighborhoods, and promoting positive child and youth development.
Originating as Santa Cruz County's coalition with over 60 members across various sectors, including schools, law enforcement, government, youth, community volunteers, and program service providers, the YVPT aimed to address youth violence.
In 2013, the YVPT achieved a significant milestone by completing the first Santa Cruz County status report on Youth Violence. Harnessing the insights from this report, the task force crafted a comprehensive, long-term countywide strategic plan. With a mission to reduce youth violence, the YVPT focuses on ensuring supportive and functioning families, fostering safe and vibrant neighborhoods, and promoting positive child and youth development.
Becoming The Youth Action Network
In 2020 the United Way's Community Impact Team recognized the need to foster positive youth behavior through the provision of meaningful opportunities. This realization inspired our organization to transition from the Youth Violence Prevention Taskforce, to the Youth Action Network (YAN), acting as a catalyst for community change.
Driven by the vision to reshape stigmas surrounding youth and enhance opportunities, YAN emerged through the dedicated efforts of both staff and youth leaders in the original Steering Committee. Today, YAN stands as a dynamic network committed to promoting positive change, creating a paradigm shift in the narrative around youth, and expanding access to opportunities for a brighter future.
Join us in celebrating the evolution of YAN, where proactive initiatives and collaborative endeavors continue to empower youth and drive positive transformations throughout our community!
In 2020 the United Way's Community Impact Team recognized the need to foster positive youth behavior through the provision of meaningful opportunities. This realization inspired our organization to transition from the Youth Violence Prevention Taskforce, to the Youth Action Network (YAN), acting as a catalyst for community change.
Driven by the vision to reshape stigmas surrounding youth and enhance opportunities, YAN emerged through the dedicated efforts of both staff and youth leaders in the original Steering Committee. Today, YAN stands as a dynamic network committed to promoting positive change, creating a paradigm shift in the narrative around youth, and expanding access to opportunities for a brighter future.
Join us in celebrating the evolution of YAN, where proactive initiatives and collaborative endeavors continue to empower youth and drive positive transformations throughout our community!
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