SayPro, in collaboration with the United States Peace Corps, is empowering youth to play an active role in political leadership at the local level. Young people are often excluded from decision-making, despite being directly affected by policies on education, employment, and health. This partnership aims to reverse that trend by offering leadership training, civic education, and mentorship programs. SayPro provides workshops on local governance, public speaking, and democratic engagement. Meanwhile, Peace Corps volunteers help establish youth councils and coordinate community dialogues where young voices are prioritized.
Through this initiative, youth gain the tools and confidence to participate in town hall meetings, lead community projects, and even run for local office. The program emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging participation from young women, marginalized groups, and rural youth. Training includes mock debates, proposal writing, and campaign planning. Youth are taught how to analyze local policies, engage with elected officials, and represent their peers. SayPro also works with local government to ensure there are structured platforms for youth involvement in planning and decision-making.
The Peace Corps contributes to this initiative by assigning volunteers who serve as civic mentors and facilitate collaboration between youth and community leaders. Volunteers also connect young leaders with global youth initiatives, broadening their horizons. The program includes exchange visits and digital learning sessions that expose youth to different governance models and leadership styles. By investing in young political talent, SayPro and the Peace Corps are laying the foundation for more inclusive and future-focused local leadership.
This partnership transforms young people from passive observers to active architects of their communities. It promotes a culture of civic responsibility, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. SayPro and the Peace Corps see this as more than a youth program—it’s a generational shift toward participatory democracy. By creating a pipeline of informed, confident, and motivated youth leaders, they are ensuring that future governance is responsive, representative, and rooted in community needs.