UNITY

Marla Mesarina Helps Youth Councils Build a Foundation through Fundraising and Inclusion

Youth Councils in Action Helping youth councils build a foundation meant several different kinds of work for Marla Mesarina in December 2023: securing donations, facilitating introductions, supporting bylaws, and helping young people bring their council’s future before tribal leadership. Mesarina, who identifies as Leech Lake Ojibwe and Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, served as Midwest Representative in UNITY’s […]

Co-President Scippio leads National Trainings to Empower Native Youth

UNITY Youth Highlight Chenoa Scippio’s fall 2022 speaking engagements brought Native youth leadership into conversations about community advocacy, data, cultural celebration, and public service. As a National UNITY Council Co-President, she moved between webinars and in-person gatherings while reflecting on how UNITY had prepared her to represent others. Scippio served in the National UNITY Council […]

25 Under 25 Partners with Grub Hub for Two Week Food Drive

UNITY Youth Highlight Ally Gee approached Fort Lewis College’s annual food and basic necessities drive with a question about who was being overlooked. Food donations were important, but she saw a continuing shortage of menstrual products at the campus pantry and wanted students to have more choices in caring for their health. The UNITY 25 […]

25 Under 25 Serves as Youth Advocate for Mental Health and Disability Leadership Exchange

UNITY Youth Highlight Ajah-Rain Yellowhair brought a youth advocacy perspective to the International Initiative for Mental Health and Disability Leadership Exchange in Arlington, Virginia, on October 26–27, 2022. The experience prompted her to consider how cultural knowledge, respectful relationships, and youth participation belong in conversations about community wellness. Yellowhair attended on behalf of Youth MOVE […]