07/30/2026
What does it mean to stand up for your community?
For Layla, a participant in our Teens Take the City (TTC) Youth Leadership Program, it starts with using your voice.
As Layla shares, if you care about your community, donât be afraid to speak up about issues that matter. Civic engagement isnât reserved for elected officials or community leaders. It starts with neighbors, young people, families, and everyday residents who care enough to get involved and advocate for the people around them.
At the YMCA of Greater New York, we believe strong communities are built from the ground up. Through programs like Teens Take the City, young people develop the confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills to become active participants in shaping their neighborhoods and creating positive change.
When we empower young people to raise their voices today, weâre helping build stronger, healthier communities for tomorrow.