Youth Nexus is a youth-led leadership council in Butte County that empowers young people to be decision-makers, advocates, and change agents in their communities. Founded in 1999 as the first youth philanthropy board in Northern California, Youth Nexus continues to serve as a catalyst for youth voice and civic action. Its name reflects this purpose: “nexus” means a point of connection, where youth leadership, community need, and positive change intersect. For more than two decades, Youth Nexus has remained a starting point for youth advocacy and a bridge between young people and their community. The council equips young people with skills, opportunities, and support to take action on issues that matter to them and to create lasting, positive change.

The council holds chapter meetings 2x per month throughout the year. Chapter meetings are 1.5 – 2 hours per session. In addition to the council meetings, Youth Nexus members engage in a variety of activities throughout the year, such as: assemblies, community & school outreach events/campaigns, coalition meetings, community service and environmental prevention projects. Council members identify the issues most relevant to them, design strategies, and lead community-focused projects. Youth build practical skills in leadership, advocacy, and critical thinking through hands-on learning activities such as environmental scans, mapping alcohol retailers, analyzing local survey data, and public speaking. These experiences demonstrate to young people that their perspectives are valuable and that they can influence community priorities and policies.

Youth Nexus creates opportunity among youth by: funding youth-initiated projects that improve school climate, reduce youth access to alcohol/other drugs and promote health and wellness, while nurturing youth-adult partnerships and offering youth perspective and voice to the community. At its core, Youth Nexus embraces the principles of youth development by ensuring young people are not passive participants but active partners. To learn more about Youth Nexus or to see how you can get involved, please contact 530-891-2891. Council is open to high school/college aged students in Butte County.