“Nothing About Us

Without Us”

Vision Statement

We envision communities where all youth are valued as leaders and feel a strong sense of belonging. By empowering youth voice and leadership, we aim to reduce risk behaviors and improve mental and physical health outcomes for all young people.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower youth to lead meaningful change in their communities. We enhance their leadership and civic skills by connecting them with local opportunities, community partners, and policymakers: supporting them to transform their ideas into action and spearhead projects that address issues impacting their lives and their world.

About Us

For the past decade, our work began as the Lafayette Communities That Care (CTC) Coalition in partnership with Boulder County Public Health, bringing together youth, families, and community partners to use data and prevention science to address issues impacting young people while strengthening belonging, relationships, and leadership.

That work now continues through our nonprofit, Colorado Youth Empowerment Center, where youth take the lead through our Roots & Futures cohort by identifying community issues, working with local partners, and creating and leading projects that address those issues.