This page lists just a few of the many Youth as Resources opportunities available to youth in Tucson and beyond – start here and contact us if you want to learn about even more!

Governor’s Youth Commission ( http://www.volunteerarizona.org/gyc.htm ): The GYC is a diverse and representative body of the high school population within the state of Arizona.  The primary purpose of the GYC’s forty members (composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors, from across the state) is to advise the Governor and the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families on issues affecting youth in Arizona.

Greater Tucson Youth Leadership Program (www.volunteertucson.org): GTYLP is a yearlong leadership program consisting of a Youth Leadership Institute and a Youth Philanthropy & Boardsmanship Institute. The program works to inform, educate, influence, re-direct and create new leaders from a diverse cross-section of middle and high school students in Tucson. Participants explore community issues, learn about philanthropy and social change, make grants to community organizations, and receive training to prepare them to serve on nonprofit boards.

Pima County Teen Court ( www.pcteencourt.com ): A program of Pima Prevention Partnership, PCTC is a diversion program for minors who have been arrested and have admitted guilt to their crime. These teens choose to be sentenced by a jury of their peers instead of going through the Pima County Juvenile Justice Court system.  All participants in the courtroom are teens, except for the judge.  Youth can volunteer to serve as a prosecution or defense attorney, clerk/bailiff or member of the jury.

Protection Connection Teen Advisory Group (www.ppsaz.org): Protection Connection is a program of Planned Parenthood in which teens work to provide accurate sexual and reproductive health information to youth in Tucson. The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) conducts trainings, workshops and distributes materials at events to educate their peers on relevant teen sexual issues. Activites are held at a variety of locations such as classrooms, concerts, as well as community sites like Wingspan, EVIA, and Skrappy’s. There is no cost to become involved in the program.

Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona (www.volunteertucson.org): The Volunteer Center offers numerous opportunities for youth to become involved in the community. In addition to a large database of volunteer opportunities, The Volunteer Center’s Y outh Volunteer Corps (YVC) is a program for youth 11-18 who are excited about making a difference in our community through activism and community service. After registering with the volunteer center, a Youth Volunteer can choose from many projects offered throughout the year, run by Americorps Team Leaders.

Wingspan EON (www.wingspan.org):  EON Youth Program works to strengthen the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and straight ally youth community. Activities include peer and adult mentoring, ‘zine creation, workshops, visual and performance art projects, and other youth driven activities. Youth between the ages of 13-23 are invited to participate free of charge. Activities take place at the Eon Lounge in downtown Tucson as well as at Wingspan’s Community Center at 425 E. 7th St.

YWCA It’s Time to Talk Racial Justice Program ( www.ywcatucson.org): The It’s Time to Talk Youth Program brings together youth from middle and high schools to work together to reduce discrimination, intolerance and hate. The program’s activities include planning and participating in the Annual Youth Forum on Race, conducting a grant round, facilitating presentations to other youth in the community, and more. The program is free of charge and takes place at various locations around Tucson.