TSNE is pleased to introduce Revere Youth in Action (RYiA) as its newest fiscally sponsored organization. RYiA works to build youth and community power through organizing, education, art and working in coalitions for social justice with a focus on youth leadership, organizing, and development. The organization has historically been based in the Shirley Avenue neighborhood of Revere, MA.
“Over the last few years, due to the imagination and strength of our young people, RYiA has grown. We were looking for a fiscal sponsor that shared our values and could make sure our growth is sustainable. We found that with TSNE,” said Sandy Wright, co-director of RYiA
As fiscal sponsor to more than 50 organizations across the country, TSNE’s professional staff provide the financial management and administrative foundations that allow these groups to focus on their mission. We are happy that RYiA chose us not just for our expertise, but for our aligned mission and values.
Organizing the Youth of Revere
RYiA’s organizing aims to increase education justice and civic action, shaped by young people.
With seasonal youth leadership and organizing programs, and a fellowship track, young people gain foundational organizing and leadership skills, to carry into their communities, student clubs, colleges or careers. RYiA’s youth created values are: youth at the forefront; our community; fun and good vibes and green space.
“I was active in voter education and outreach before joining RYiA and came into the organization through friends. Since joining I have learned more about social change, shared my experiences and become a more confident organizer,” said Hebat, age 17.
Young people help create and build curriculum at RYiA, which centers Black and Brown art, community history, ethnic studies, civic education and racial justice. Past fellows have focused their work on media justice, public health and equity, environmental justice, voter outreach and public art. Support services for young people include self-care skills and college counseling and support.
“RYiA helped build up my leadership skills and connect to opportunities outside of the city. The work I do on campus and in organizing events around the state, is informed by my time with RYiA,” said Diamond Kodjo, a senior at Simmons College, and RYiA Alum.
Coalition work is crucial to RYiA. It is a founding member of the Revere Education Justice Alliance (REJA), with Women Encouraging Empowerment (WEE), the Revere Teachers Association (RTA), and Massachusetts Jobs with Justice. REJA is part of the larger Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance (MEJA), as well as a number of other regional and state-wide education and social justice coalitions.
Get Involved
You can support Revere Youth in Action by becoming a monthly sustainer or following them on their Facebook page.