When Adults Champion Youth: Lessons from Operation Grow

Discover the inspiring journey of Nora Pearson, a high school junior and founder of Roots and Grounds, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting youth and seniors through hands-on plant propagation workshops. In this episode of The Power of Young People, Nora discusses how intergenerational programming helps bridge the gap between generations, fosters community bonds, and promotes mutual learning. She shares how her experiences in Girl Scouts motivated her to create meaningful connections with seniors, and offers valuable insights on balancing nonprofit leadership with school life. Tune in to learn how plants serve as a creative medium for relationship-building, the importance of mentorship, and practical advice for young changemakers eager to make a positive social impact.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠Threads⁠!Enter the Write Strong, Drive Safe Essay Contest!

Join us as we sit down with Sharonda Allen, an inspiring adult leader and founder of Operation Grow—a 2025 Youth as Solutions® 9/11 Day Team and an innovative youth-led initiative in East Orange, NJ dedicated to addressing food deserts through sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. Sharonda shares her journey of creating spaces where young people’s voices can be heard, emphasizing the importance of education, mentorship, and empathy in fostering leadership. She discusses how systemic issues like food insecurity are connected to broader historical contexts and highlights the transformative power of youth engagement. Tune in to learn how Operation Grow is inspiring the next generation of changemakers and demonstrating that with guidance and compassion, young leaders can create lasting community impact.Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠!

Tune into this episode featuring 17-year-old youth leader Anshul Nadendla, as he shares his inspiring journey of driving social impact through youth initiatives like YES, Youth Global, and NICE. Discover how empathy, resilience, and a global mindset empower young leaders to foster community engagement, bridge cultural divides, and champion youth voices on the international stage. Perfect for aspiring youth changemakers, this conversation highlights the importance of small wins, passion-driven leadership, and the power of youth collaboration to create meaningful global change.Learn more about NYLC at ⁠⁠nylc.org⁠⁠!Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠!

In this special episode, we honor 9/11 Day by reflecting on the enduring values of service, compassion, and community connection. We sit down with Raymond Cardona and his mentor Lori Patton from Youth Revive’s Ignite Me Youth Team to discuss how young leaders are making a difference in Dallas by tackling homelessness through empathy and action. They share powerful insights on peacemaking, the importance of recognizing shared humanity, and how youth-led initiatives can spark real social change. This conversation highlights the impact of small acts of kindness, the necessity of community involvement, and the vital role of nurturing youth leadership for a more compassionate society. Whether you're interested in community service, social impact, or empowering young people, this episode offers inspiration and practical ideas to engage and uplift your community. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of service and explore how collective efforts and youth empowerment can create a brighter, more unified future!Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠Threads⁠!

In this week's episode of The Power of Young People, we sit down with Nethanya Fonseka, a passionate young environmental leader and founder of Plant It Forward. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Nethanya shares her journey into youth-led activism, highlighting projects like creating a micro forest in Warren, Michigan, and establishing a Native American Honor Garden to honor Indigenous heritage and promote environmental justice. They explore the vital role of community engagement, science, and innovation in tackling climate change, emphasizing that optimism and collaboration are key to building a sustainable future. Join us to discover how young leaders are making a meaningful impact and how everyone, regardless of age, can contribute to a healthier planet.Learn more about NYLC at ⁠nylc.org⁠!Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠Threads⁠!

Join host Amy Meuers as she sits down with inspiring young leaders Natalie and Madelyn, members of NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council, to explore their journeys in youth advocacy. They share powerful personal stories that have shaped their passions, focusing on critical issues such as financial literacy, eating disorder prevention, and digital wellbeing. Through their experiences, they highlight the importance of storytelling and public speaking as tools to inspire change and connect with diverse audiences. Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible potential young people have to lead, advocate, and create meaningful impact. Tune in for motivating insights and empowering messages that encourage young listeners to embrace their unique voices and take action in their communities.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!

Join guest host and Youth Advisory Council member Natalie in this inspiring episode as she chats with Ashten Jones, a passionate advocate for community service and youth engagement through Inspire GOOD. Discover how volunteering can be a powerful tool for personal growth and social impact, often in ways you might not expect. Ashten shares her journey, emphasizing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can transform communities and individuals alike. Learn creative ways to get involved, harness the power of storytelling to inspire others, and find your own voice in service. Whether you're new to volunteering or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation will motivate you to see service as a vital, impactful part of life—because, as Ashten says, “if you see a need, fill it.”Learn more about NYLC at ⁠nylc.org⁠!Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠Threads⁠!

Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with youth leader and NYLC Youth Advisory Council member, Feven Tesfaye! Together, we explore how young people across the country are driving advocacy, environmental justice, and community change. This episode highlights the power of youth voices in decision-making, the impact of service learning, and the importance of civic engagement. Discover how youth-led initiatives and platforms like the Minnesota Youth Council are shaping a more just and sustainable future—and learn how adults can support and elevate youth leadership. Whether you're a young leader or an advocate for youth empowerment, this episode offers insights and inspiration to amplify youth voices and foster meaningful change.Learn more about NYLC at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!

Join us as we dive into the powerful world of youth activism, storytelling, and music in this episode of The Power of Young People. Featuring conversations with Portia Kamons and Tre Bosley—creators and young activists behind the transformative musical SEVENTEEN—discover how Gen Z is using art to confront urgent issues like gun violence and climate change. Through heartfelt stories and raw conversations, explore how youth voices are shaping social justice movements, inspiring hope, and forging connections across communities. Tune in to hear how the power of music and storytelling can ignite change and amplify the voices of a generation determined to make a difference.Learn more at nylc.org!Follow NYLC on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!Follow SEVENTEEN on Instagram and Facebook!

Join us in this episode of The Power of Young People as we speak with trailblazing youth leaders Pooja Tilvawala and Jacob Weissman. Discover how organizations like the Youth Climate Collaborative and Young Planet Leaders are harnessing creativity, storytelling, and innovative technology to empower young changemakers. Dive into candid conversations about mental health, intergenerational collaboration, and the challenges faced by youth activists. Whether you're passionate about climate justice, community engagement, or leadership development, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and a call to action for the next generation shaping a sustainable future.Learn more at nylc.org!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads!