YUCA’s Mission

Youth United for Community Action is a grassroots, youth-led organization based in East Palo Alto, powered by young people of color from low-income communities. We create safe and affirming spaces for youth to build power, organize for social justice, and lead transformative change starting in the neighborhoods we call home.

See what we’re about.

Founded in 1994 by young people of color determined to create lasting change, YUCA has spent more than three decades building youth power in East Palo Alto and beyond.

YUCA’s History

Over the years, YUCA has continually evolved to meet the needs of its community. From launching the FIRE Fellowship to connect youth of color with financially supportive community leadership opportunities, to creating Higher Learning as a space for students to build critical consciousness and organize around local issues, every chapter has strengthened our commitment to youth leadership. As our movement grew, so did our focus on grassroots organizing, coalition building, and developing the next generation of community leaders organizing for environmental and social justice.

Today, YUCA remains rooted in the same belief that inspired its founding: when young people have the tools, resources, and power to lead, they can transform their communities and shape a more just future.

YUCA’s Approach

  • We believe that young people can lead at every level.

    • Youth shape YUCA’s organizational decisions

    • We offer paid leadership opportunities

    • We encourage leadership development through community organizing

    • We provide opportunities for youth to lead advocacy campaigns

    • We build lifelong civic leaders

  • We believe in building collective power for lasting change.

    • Grassroots organizing

    • Coalition building

    • Community education

    • Resident engagement

    • Local policy advocacy

  • We turn real community priorities into real policy change.

    • Public campaigns

    • Rallies & demonstrations

    • Civic engagement

    • Policy advocacy

    • Community events