Alumni Network 

In 2004, People For the American Way Foundation launched Young People For (YP4),  a strategic long-term leadership development program that identifies, engages, and empowers the next generation of progressive leaders to affect social change on their campuses and in their communities. The Alumni Network continues this mission by ensuring that the relationships and work completed during the YP4 Fellowship are sustained and supported over the long-term. The YP4 Alumni Network is a community of young progressives committed to cultivating and supporting YP4 programs and Fellows through mentorship, networking, advanced leadership trainings and much more.

If you are an alum of YP4's programs please tell us what you're up to by filling out this simple Alumni Profile form.

The Alumni Board:

Each year, a select number of current Young People For Alumni are asked to serve on the Young People For Alumni Board. Alumni are selected based on their level of engagement in the program, their leadership potential, and their activities in their communities. The Alumni Board is a leadership development and capacity-building initiative that will provide alumni with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and contribute significantly to YP4.

The Alumni Board structure is designed to ensure that YP4 is accountable to our fellows and that the program remains fellow-driven. Membership on the Alumni Board also helps to prepare Fellows for leadership roles in the progressive movement. For more information on the Alumni Board, click here.

Join the Selection Commitee:

Each spring YP4 works with a committeed group of alumni to select the next Fellowship class. The Selection Committee works with YP4 staff to review Fellowship applications, conduct phone interviews, and ultimately select the best and the brighest for our Fellowship Program. If you are interested in joining this year's selection committee contact Joy Lawson.

Mentor a Fellow:

Participants in the YP4 Fellowship program spend the four months following the regional trainings engaging in one-on-one mentoring sessions and leadership development activities. Each Fellow is matched with a mentor for the duration of the program. Mentors are paired with a fellow based on skill set, issue area, and regional proximity. The mentorship component of the Fellowship Program provides Fellows the opportunity to set goals with community leaders and provide a valuable relationship to make those goals achievable in the context of their long-term career goals. 

In addition to YP4 Staff, Mentors, and Alumni Board members, YP4 will engage additional alumni in the Spring Blueprint Coaching process. Alumni will use their experience in the Fellowship Program as the underpinning of the support they can lend to the program and as a mechanism to evaluate the success of the new model. 

Meet the Mentors of the 2011 Class.

If you have any questions please contact Joy Lawson at jlawson@pfaw.org.

Build a Local Network

YP4 prides itself on being one of the few national organizations that supports the work of our participants in their communities. Building off the success of the regional trainings, local networks will provide opportunities that connect Fellows, alumni, and partners to the work happening on the ground. Local Chairs will work with the Alumni Board to convene area Alumni through regional calls and local networking events to discuss relevant issues, campaigns, and work happening in your community. To find out more contact Paloma Ibanez. 

Host an YP4 Alumni Networking Event:

Alumni Networking events are easy ways to way to give back to YP4 while enjoying the company of Fellows, friends, alumni, partners, and supporters!   

We can help you organize an event in your area --  just let us know you’re interested!  

Check out our Calendar for upcoming events in your area!   

Participate in a Regional Strategy Call:

Alumni Board Members work with Local Network Chairs to convene regional calls to discuss relevant issues, campaigns, and work happening in your community. Our first regional calls will convene in late August. Don't miss out - sign up here to stay in the loop.  Stay tuned for more information. 

If you are interested in becoming a local network chair, please contact Joy Lawson. 

Become a Class Capitan:

Class Captains help coordinate activities, opportunities, communications, and events amongst alumni from their Fellowship Class. Class Chairs serve on the Host Committee an initiative which allows alumni of YP4's program to give back to the organization. For more information contact Joy Lawson.

Learn more about the Advanced Leadership Opportunities available to our alumni.

If you have other ideas about how we can make the YP4 Alumni Network a success or support the current work that you are doing please let us know!