Young Antiracist Leadership Project (YALP)

Activity Report - YALP 2025 - July-September

Over the past few months, our efforts were primarily focused on the planning, coordination, and execution of the fifth generation of the Young Antirracist Leadership Project (YALP). The cycle began with the announcement of the 13 selected participants, chosen from various regions across Mexico through a rigorous selection process. This process included interviews and a thorough evaluation of the feasibility, creativity, and potential impact of their proposed projects.

July: Orientation and Preparation

July was dedicated to onboarding and introductory sessions for the new cohort. Participants were introduced to the program’s operational protocols, with special emphasis on safety guidelines. For those visiting Mexico City for the first time, we provided a tailored guide to help them navigate the city safely and confidently.

Additionally, participants met with our mental health support team, who facilitated workshops and shared tools to help them manage emotional wellbeing throughout the intensive two-week program. These sessions were designed to foster resilience, self-awareness, and a supportive environment for learning and collaboration.

To ensure smooth communication and preparedness, we established direct and ongoing contact with all participants. They received regular updates regarding the curriculum, access to the Classroom platform, and materials required for each session.

YALP Program Implementation: July 21 – August 3

The fifth generation of YALP officially ran from July 21 to August 3. The first week was conducted virtually, featuring 25 classes covering diverse topics relevant to youth leadership and project development. In addition to academic content, we offered emotional exploration spaces and mental health support sessions to promote holistic engagement.

During this week, we also coordinated travel logistics for participants residing outside Mexico City, ensuring their safe and timely arrival for the in-person segment of the program.

The second week was held in person, with participants attending 25 intensive classes hosted at various venues across the city. The program culminated in a graduation ceremony, where each participant received a diploma recognizing their successful completion of the training and presented a refined version of their project.

August–September: Project Mentorship and Follow-Up

Following the training, the months of August and September were dedicated to assigning individual mentors to each participant. These mentors are responsible for guiding and supporting the implementation phase of the participants’ projects, offering personalized feedback, strategic advice, and ongoing encouragement.

This mentorship phase marks a critical transition from learning to action, empowering young leaders to bring their ideas to life and create meaningful impact in their communities.

Through the contributions via GlobalGiving, young leaders in YALP are gaining access to meaningful training and one-on-one guidance as they bring their community projects to life. The two-week experience in Mexico City immerses them in spaces that reflect the social and cultural realities they’re working to transform — and the mentorship that follows helps shape their ideas into lasting, impactful solutions.

We’re incredibly thankful for your support. Every donation made through GlobalGiving is helping build a new wave of antiracist youth leaders who are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable Mexico.

Links:

• Resumen YALP2025

Activity Report - YALP 2025

Thanks to the donations we’ve received, we’ve been able to train and guide young leaders from across Mexico in developing antiracist projects throughout the year.

We’ve also continued to support and help implement projects led by YALP participants from previous generations. Just last month, the second basketball tournament was held in Chetumal, Quintana Roo. A YALP participant facilitated a workshop for young athletes, followed by a basketball game—promoting the right to sport as a tool for fostering physical, mental, and emotional health, while also encouraging community-building, discipline, and solidarity.

These activities have been both educational and inspiring for the young participants, who gained essential tools they can apply in their communities and in future projects.

Organizing the 5th Generation of YALP

In April, we began organizing the 5th generation of YALP. This included designing the new curriculum, setting dates, launching the open call, coordinating activities, and contacting faculty and mentors. In May, we published the call for applications for young people, which remained open for one month and closed on June 1st.

We hope to publish the list of selected participants this month. Before selection, each applicant will have participated in an interview, and their proposed project will have been reviewed and chosen for its creativity and innovation.

We’ll also invite selected participants to an introductory meeting with the organizing team. This session will cover details about the intensive training—such as protocols, navigating Mexico City, using the Classroom platform, and other key aspects of the program. They will also meet the mental health support staff member who will be available throughout the training process, so they can get to know them and understand how to reach out for support.

The support from GlobalGiving has been essential in ensuring that young people in YALP receive high-quality training and personalized guidance as they implement their projects. The two-week training in Mexico City offers unique learning experiences in culturally and socially impactful spaces, while the mentorship program helps turn their ideas into tangible and sustainable initiatives.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated through GlobalGiving for your generosity and trust in this project. Thanks to your support, we are nurturing a new generation of antiracist leaders who are working toward a more just and inclusive Mexico.