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Youth Cabinets

The Kalamazoo County Youth Cabinet (KCYC) and Calhoun County Youth Cabinet (CCYC) convene youth ages 13-21 twice a month to lead initiatives that promote identity, belonging, and agency for all youth in the out-of-school time sector.

Kalamazoo County Youth Cabinet (KCYC)

The Kalamazoo County Youth Cabinet meets twice a month, on a Tuesday or Thursday. All current cabinet members participated in the Community Peace Project in the summer of 2024 and continue to strategize new community violence intervention strategies in Kalamazoo. They also support the planning of KYD Network’s advocacy events, the National Day of Summer Learning and Lights On Afterschool.

Are you a young person age 13-21 who lives in Kalamazoo County and is passionate about youth-led community change?

Calhoun County Youth Cabinet (CCYC)

The Calhoun County Youth Cabinet meets twice a month, on Fridays. The CCYC kicked off its first meeting in early 2025 and are collectively defining what their priorities will be. They will also support the planning of KYD Network’s advocacy events, the National Day of Summer Learning and Lights On Afterschool.

Are you a young person age 13-21 who lives in Calhoun County and is passionate about youth-led community change?

“Youth voice is getting paid to bring your ideas to life. . . Youth voice is different backgrounds, cultures, experiences coming together for something greater in the community.”

Youth Leader

CCYC

March 2025

Youth voice is important because a lot of the time younger activists go unheard. Many adults don’t take our issues or opinions seriously, but just because we’re young doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a say on what’s happening in our country or the world. It’s good to get a new perspective on issues like racism and sexism from the younger generation since we have experienced many of these issues first hand too. We see what’s going on...

Izzy Morris

KCYC

April 2024

... Sadly, some of us haven’t found the courage to voice out opinions yet, which is why younger people who are making a difference should have their voices amplified. Through the amplification of youth voices we are making future leaders. The majority of young people have things to say about injustice you just need to listen.

Izzy Morris

KCYC

April 2024

Youth voice is important because youth ideas and thoughts are important and deserve to be appreciated and understood.

Regina Kibezi

KCYC

April 2024