Latinx Youth Council (LYC)
Latinx Youth Council is a two-year long journey of leadership development. They learn about civic engagement, Latinx history and culture, mentorship, and educational justice. LYC has been empowering youth since 2012, and in 2025, the program expanded into a two year cohort to grow youth power. Year one focuses on the history of community organizing in Southwest Detroit and Latinos in the U.S. Year two focuses on designing and implementing their own community project!
YOUTH EMPACT
Youth Council members focus on educational justice for students of color in Detroit. Each cohort has incorporated outreach, education, and/or service to the larger community. Project Examples: Mural challenge stereotypes on Vernor and Rieden; Trip to Washington DC to support and advocate for the Dream Act; Owning It, Our Education & Nuestro Futuro mentorship programs to prepare southwest Detroit students for college and strengthen intergenerational alliances. The Lavendar’s Society first ever queer prom.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
CoC believes that leadership development is more than learning theory in a classroom. Therefore youth are given opportunities to learn through experience and hands-on projects. The youth gain leadership experience by being out in front of the community and are viewed by community partners as leaders and advocates. LYC members attend advocacy days at the state capitol, speak to city council members and school board members, and help plan community events.
