Each year, the UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) Inc. movement stands as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and strategic action, bringing together Native youth from across the nation in an unparalleled display of leadership and collective impact. Representing over 300 youth councils, UNITY’s delegation of youth leaders is a testament to the diversity and strength of Native communities, from urban centers to rural and reservation coalitions. These young change-makers embody the future of Indigenous leadership, working together to address critical issues and create tangible solutions for their communities.
A Diverse and Representative Voice for Native Youth
The UNITY network draws from an extraordinary cross-section of Native communities, ensuring a broad and inclusive representation of voices. Youth councils from urban areas, reservations, and tribal nations come together to share their unique perspectives, challenges, and successes. This rich diversity fosters a dynamic and comprehensive dialogue about the most pressing issues facing Native youth today. No other organization achieves this level of inclusion and representation, making UNITY a model for youth-led engagement and decision-making.
The Power of the Native Vote: Top Ten Issues
At the heart of UNITY’s impact is the National UNITY Council (NUC), where youth representatives from each council convene during biannual business meetings to vote on the “Top Ten Issues” facing Native youth. This process is more than a democratic exercise; it’s a powerful example of grassroots leadership and collective impact. These top ten issues, identified by the youth themselves, serve as a blueprint for action, inspiring movements that address challenges ranging from mental health and substance abuse prevention to cultural preservation and climate justice.
Once the issues are selected, youth councils return to their regions with a Call to Action. They host grassroots community service projects that not only raise awareness about these challenges but also implement creative solutions tailored to their communities’ unique needs. Through this process, UNITY transforms a list of problems into actionable strategies, fostering a sense of agency and hope among Native youth.
Empowering Youth to Create Change
UNITY is more than a platform for dialogue; it is a training ground for transformation. Through targeted workshops, hands-on activities, and peer mentorship, UNITY equips youth leaders with the skills they need to address the top ten issues head-on. These trainings focus on leadership development, strategic planning, and problem-solving, ensuring participants leave with the tools to turn their ideas into impactful community projects.
Each youth council is empowered to host four community service projects annually, creating ripple effects of change throughout their regions. These projects embody UNITY’s solution-based approach, addressing the most common challenges Native youth face while inspiring others to succeed and feel seen. By fostering a culture of action and accountability, UNITY sets the stage for national movement-building rooted in the strengths and resilience of Native youth.
A Legacy of Leadership and Hope
As the largest and oldest Native youth-serving nonprofit in the United States, UNITY has a rich history of empowering Indigenous youth. Its National UNITY Conference, the largest annual gathering of Native youth globally, is a cornerstone of this legacy. Here, youth are trained, inspired, and equipped to tackle the challenges that stand in the way of their success. From workshops led by peer mentors aged 14-24 to keynote addresses by Native leaders and changemakers, the conference is a powerful testament to the potential of youth-led movements.
Strategic Planning and Collective Impact
UNITY’s model exemplifies strategic planning and prevention at its finest. By adopting the top ten issues each year, the National UNITY Council drives a unified, solution-focused approach to addressing the challenges facing Native youth. This collective impact is achieved through the coordinated efforts of hundreds of youth councils, each contributing to a national movement that uplifts communities and inspires hope.
UNITY’s ability to inspire, train, and mobilize Native youth is unmatched. It creates a platform for young leaders to take on big issues with confidence and creativity, ensuring that no challenge is too overwhelming when faced together. This is not a fleeting initiative or a list of lofty goals; it is a sustainable, youth-driven strategy for change rooted in the values and vision of Indigenous communities.
A Call to Action
Through UNITY, Native youth are proving that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. Their voices, amplified through the UNITY network, are driving movements that address the most pressing challenges of their generation. This monumental gathering of youth voices is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for hope, action, and lasting impact.
As UNITY continues its mission, it calls on all Native youth, allies, and supporters to join in this movement. Together, through strategic planning, collective impact, and a commitment to community service, UNITY is building a future where every Native youth feels seen, heard, and empowered to create change.