The Latin American Youth Center Leadership Development & Advocacy Program (LDAP) is a new program dedicated to developing leadership, communication and advocacy skills among high school youth, enabling them to become more actively engaged in their communities, to participate in local policy debates, and to make their voices heard through the political process.

LDAP courses will commence on October 14, 2006 and end on May 18, 2007. Courses will be taught in collaboration with the Art & Media House, exposing students to web radio, documentary video, and other media that can be used to engage and advocate on behalf of their communities. Having acquired knowledge of civic issues and policy-making techniques, graduates will be equipped with the tools to promote community change.

“Advocacy is defined as the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) recognizes that in order to truly impact social change, it must engage its youth participants in active advocacy, that is, youth must participate in and directly influence policy and legislative processes that affect their communities.”
          - Mai Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer

Goals & Objectives

  • Expand knowledge on civic issues.
  • Enhance research, writing, public speaking and critical thinking skills.
  • Teach advocacy & community organizing techniques & the history of social movements.
  • Teach creative tools for educating & engaging the public in community issues.
  • Identify & implement a comprehensive end-of-program service project.

Areas of Focus

  • Leadership Development;
  • Youth Advocacy & Empowerment;
  • Media Literacy;
  • Grassroots Community Initiatives;
  • Popular Culture & Civic Engagement;
  • Art for Change

Program Requirements

  • Demonstrated interest in civic issues, public policy, political science and/or community development.
  • High school students enrolled in a DC Public School with a minimum GPA of 2.7.
  • Be committed to attending YLDAP sessions two afternoons/week and some Saturdays. Food/snacks will be provided.
  • Submit a completed application, including writing sample and interview.

Incentives

  • Knowledge
  • Meet New People
  • Gift Certificates
  • T-Shirts
  • Field Trips
  • Fall and Spring session stipends

For more information contact:

Ricardo Flores
Advocacy Director
Phone (202) 232.3834
ricardo@layc-dc.org