The Youth Build Immigrant Power Project (YBIP) develops the leadership and organizing skills of youth from low-income Asian immigrant families to bring positive change to the community.
Over the years, YBIP members have worked on a range of issues – whether it is fighting against sweatshop working conditions, ensuring a voice for immigrant youth in Oakland, or teaching low-wage workers about their health and safety in the workplace.
High school leaders in YBIP lead their peers in learning about topics such as language justice, patriarchy, homophobia, Asian immigration history, and community organizing.
Through political education and other community projects, YBIP engages youth in their own leadership and in making proactive and positive change for the larger community.
What is the structure of YBIP?
YBIP leaders select and train new peer trainers on skills such as outreach and leading workshops. The new trainers outreach and recruit fellow immigrant youth by publicizing the leadership program to English Language Development (ELD) classes at school.
Every spring, new middle and high school students attend a large general meeting. Participants can apply for the 12-week YBIP leadership training program, where they will learn more about critical issues affecting them as working-class immigrant youth. Youth leaders typically organize a parents’ meeting to provide info about the program and solicit support from program participants’ parents. AIWA women leaders are there to respond to questions and address any parent concerns.
The annual highlight of the program is a weekend retreat filled with fun and valuable training sessions, leadership development, and team building.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more about the Youth Build Immigrant Power Project (YBIP)!