Youth Action in Local Leadership
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in Southwest Virginia
The Youth Action in Local Leadership (YALL) program is a year-round leadership and civic engagement initiative designed to help middle and high school students become informed, active, and engaged leaders in their communities.
Southwest Virginia's rural communities are built on resilience, strong relationships, and a deep sense of place. Through YALL, students gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to understand community issues, engage in civic life, and create meaningful change where they live.
The program is built around three core pillars:
Leadership Development
Building confidence, communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and leadership capacity.
Civic Engagement & Democracy Education
Helping youth understand local government, public policy, civic responsibility, and how democratic systems work.
Community Impact
Empowering students to identify community needs and lead projects that make a positive difference in their schools and communities.
Together, these experiences help participants develop a strong civic identity while preparing them to become future professionals, volunteers, public servants, and community leaders.
Why Youth Leadership Matters
Many young people are eager to engage in their communities but often lack opportunities to:
- Learn how local government works
- Connect with civic and community leaders
- Share their perspectives on local issues
- Develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences
- Understand the importance of civic participation
- Build confidence in their ability to create change
- YALL bridges these gaps by connecting youth directly with community institutions, local leaders, and one another.
What Participants Will Experience
Leadership Workshops & Civic Learning - Students will participate in engaging monthly sessions covering topics such as:
- Leadership strengths and personal development
- Civic responsibility and community stewardship
- Local government and public participation
- Democracy and public decision-making
- Media literacy and informed citizenship
- Public speaking and effective communication
- Conflict resolution and collaborative leadership
- Community challenges and local solutions
Contact Us
Niko Armstrong-Watts
Youth Programs Coordinator
United Way of Southwest Virginia
For questions about program eligibility, participation opportunities, school partnerships, or volunteer mentorship opportunities, please contact Niko directly.