GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Young people experience gun violence in schools and communities, making them essential stakeholders in creating solutions.

YOUNG ORGANIZERS UNITED FOR A SAFER FUTURE (YOUSF)

THE URGENT NEED FOR YOUTH VOICES

Gun violence remains one of the leading causes of death for young people in Washington State, yet youth voices are systematically excluded from prevention policy discussions.



The YOUSF program addresses this gap by creating structured pathways for youth to engage in meaningful advocacy while developing critical leadership skills.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Traditional youth engagement often treats young people as tokens rather than partners. The YOUSF model fundamentally restructures this relationship by providing youth with genuine decision-making power, comprehensive training, and direct access to legislative advocacy.

COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP

WASHINGTON YOUTH ALLIANCE

Youth leadership development expertise and statewide chapter network across 10 active chapters.

ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY

Policy and organizing experience with established legislative relationships and Seattle presence.

BRADY TEAM ENOUGH

College-focused youth organizing capabilities and national network connections.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

CORE TRAINING COMPONENTS

• Public speaking and presentation skills


• Project management and event planning


• Community organizing and advocacy techniques


• Critical thinking and conflict resolution


• Professional communication



• Policy analysis and research

CORE TRAINING COMPONENTS

Through comprehensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on organizing experience, we equip young people with the tools they need to create lasting change in their communities.


Our approach combines political education, skill-building workshops, and real-world advocacy experience to develop confident, effective youth leaders who can navigate complex policy landscapes.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

01

YOUTH-LED, ADULT-SUPPORTED

Youth maintain autonomy in choosing participation levels, co-developing advocacy strategies, and representing their communities. Adult organizations provide expertise, safety protocols, and logistical support without controlling the narrative or decision-making process.

02

INTERSECTIONAL APPROACH

Gun violence prevention cannot be separated from mental health support, educational equity, and racial justice. The YOUSF structure explicitly recognizes these intersections, ensuring advocacy addresses root causes rather than symptoms alone.

HOW WE CREATE CHANGE

01

YOUTH-LED ORGANIZING

We develop, connect and support youth-led organizing efforts to influence legislation and shape policies that matter most to young people affected by gun violence.

02

PROVEN RESULTS

Major legislative wins including HB 1432 for mental health insurance coverage and HB 1163 for permit-to-purchase systems, driven by youth testimony and advocacy.

03

CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS

We partner across sectors with educators, unions, allies, and elected officials to advocate for systemic change and build lasting coalitions for gun violence prevention.

04

ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS

We use accessible, empowering, and equity-centered communications to mobilize and educate our neighbors, making complex policy issues understandable and actionable.

JOIN THE GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION MOVEMENT

Be part of Washington's comprehensive youth-led gun violence prevention network. Your voice matters in creating safer communities.