Changeist applications for the 2023-24 program are closed!
Changeist is an out of school program that brings together 11-26 year olds to learn a common civic language, engage in dialogue, and build community to investigate local and national challenges. On Saturdays between January 6, 2024 and July, 6 2024 we focus on developing our sociopolitical knowledge and personal agency.
As a Changeist, you will be:
Placed on a diverse team and given a near-peer mentor
Provided resources to explore social issues, serve your community, and reflect on solutions to issues that matter to you
Given space to learn and practice sociopolitical changemaking skills and leadership skills, such as public speaking, mobilization, information literacy, social media usage, conflict resolution, and team leadership
Given opportunity to partner with other local community-based organizations to implement local solutions to local problems
Exposed to different groups, perspectives, cultures, and ideas
“Schools teach you math, English... but Changeist teaches you life skills.”
More Youth Programs!
For young individuals who are former participants in Changeist or young adults who are between the ages of 17 - 25!
Team Leader
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This program is an opportunity for post-high school/college-aged young adults to lead a team of our Changeist youth as near-peer mentors. You will attend our main program sessions on Saturdays, as well as additional training and check-ins on youth mentorship. Through this program, you will learn how to effectively guide and lead people on their own change-making journey. Available to first-time and returning post-high school/college-aged young adults.
For applicants between 17 - 25
Changeist Media
For Changeist alumni only
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This is a weekly program that puts Changeist alumni into the storytelling role! You will create content (like videos, blogs, and podcasts) and learn about media, storytelling, and art as they relate to activism. The Changeist Media team will meet weekly, sometimes on Saturdays and sometimes on other days throughout the week. Available to grades 9-12.
What former Changeists have said…
Changeist High School Senior in Los Angeles
“Changeist is not your typical Saturday civic engagement club. Showing up every Saturday morning to see charismatic, intelligent youth makes waking up from bed worthwhile. You meet people your age. Our generation has so many fresh ideas and positive energy to put into the world, and we only strengthen our voices by coming together. Being here at Changeist taught me what change is: a noble effort to strive not only for equality but simply a better future."
Changeist High School Senior in Stockton
“When I thought about community service I thought I would be picking trash for hours. I didn’t know I could get community service hours for learning about problems in our community. I got to learn so much about problems I didn’t even know existed. I got to go to places that I didn’t even know were in Stockton. I got to learn so much and make so many friendships. I got to ask people that have gone through things in life about their experiences.”
Changeist High School Freshman in Stockton
“While at Changeist I was the happiest I’ve been in a long time. We helped out the community and made a difference while being able to have fun. I made a lot of friends and felt heard and accepted. It was a very loving and positive environment.”
Team Leader Testimony
Testimony from Former Team Leader in Los Angeles
“Working with Changeist as a Team Leader has been one of the most insightful, motivational, and memorable lifelong experiences I have had. The countless sights you see range from Museums, non-profit organizations, parks, and other youth at work doing the things that help Los Angeles and many of its gears run. As you lead your group of youth the discussions for change, ideas, and hopes will bond you together even after the program. The Changeist motto that it is an organization by youth for youth is powerful, influential, and just makes sense.”
Interview with former Changeists
What issues will you explore at Changeist? You decide! We update our program every year to focus on new, cohort-suggested issues.
Our values are part of what makes our community so special.
Young people are whole people.
Young people are not the future, they are leaders today. Youth inherently have value -- they do not need to be changed or fixed. Our organization uplifts the needs, voices, and humanity of young people and we follow their lead.
Relationships are our superpower.
While every individual is powerful, we are strongest together, and community is our first tool for changing the world. When we use our assets to help others, we improve the wellbeing of our community and take care of ourselves.
Systems are the problem, not people.
If a plant doesn’t grow we don’t blame the plant, but the environmental conditions that don’t allow it to thrive. Similarly, we believe that societal injustice -- not broken people -- is responsible for the challenges impacting our communities.
Learning happens on our own terms.
Everyone has a right to self-determination. We are here to help one another grow in the ways we decide for ourselves. We build a supportive and joyful environment to share skills and insights.
We hold space for dialogue.
As a youth convening organization, we embrace dialogue to break down stereotypes, biases, and assumptions to facilitate communal learning. We listen openly, we are willing to question our own perspectives, and we respectfully challenge ideas and voice disagreement. We aim to bridge divides, which will help us become greater civic leaders.
Being human is messy.
We have all been socialized into harmful ideologies and practices. We have all been hurt and caused hurt. As we build community, we will make mistakes and fail along the way. We meet each others’ imperfections with gentleness and compassion, and strive for understanding as we serve together.