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Before embarking on the journey to implement our new five-year strategic plan, we wanted to take some time to celebrate 2021! The Sankofa bird teaches us to go back to the past and bring forward that which is useful. So, before we look forward to 2022 and beyond, let’s take the time to celebrate all the ways the Alliance showed up and showed out in 2021 to fight for our communities, our futures, and our values. 

Annual Report Highlights

Leadership Development in our Communities

Every organization in the network hosts powerful training programs to help build the bench of the next generation’s leaders.Throughout the year, Alliance orgs fostered the leadership development and civic education of young people in their communities through internships, fellowships, and other organizing programs. Our network graduated over 200 young people through local programs in 2021!

Community and Collaboration Through Cohorts

Our cohort spaces were created to serve as a space for communications, program, operations, data, and development peers to meet regularly and work through challenges together and learn from each other. Last year, we built upon our cohort offerings, expanded the program to include staff from Youth Organizing Partners, and launched an advocacy cohort!

Alliance Growth

In addition to bringing on Dakota Hall as our new ED, to better support the ever evolving needs of our network, the Alliance grew in size and in expertise. We added positions to the Communications, Data, Development, and Operations teams and promoted five staff members!

Strategic Planning

We created a strategic plan that directs us to strengthen the network by doing what we do best — centering capacity building for youth-led and focused organizations, raising and distributing funds to the network as a funding intermediary, and expanding the network, with young Black, Indigenous, people of color organizers leading the way. 

Thank you for being a part of building youth power, organizations, and leaders in the Alliance Network. Looking back on our successes in 2021 only makes us more excited for what’s to come.

In early April, we took a week to dream of a future without student debt. April 4-8th we took a series of actions to tell President Biden the time to cancel student debt is NOW. Here’s a quick recap of the week and how you can keep the momentum going!

Looking for more on Dreams Not Debt? Check out the campaign page on the Alliance website.

From my parents to my teachers, everyone told me how important it was to attend college when I grew up. However, no one prepared me for the harsh realities after college, especially the burden of student loans and how hard it would be to find employment. I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio – a city that has gone through many challenges, one of the biggest being the lack of jobs. I was inspired to want more for myself and my family. I believed continuing my education was the solution. 

Since graduating from college, student loans have been a dark cloud over my head. The constant phone calls and emails reminding me how much I owe is too much to bear. At one point, I had a loan turned over to the Ohio Attorney General’s office, threatening to garnish my wages. Even with a college degree, it is hard to get a decent-paying job that would allow me to pay my loans back. And with interest constantly building, I fear it may get to a point where I won’t ever be able to pay off the debt.

When President Biden made the campaign promise that he would cancel at least $10,000 of each American’s student debt, I felt like I had the chance to breathe and start over – no longer would the weight of my student debt be on my shoulders. Yet, Biden’s inaction on this campaign promise scares me because the possibility of student debt cancellation becoming a reality seems out of reach. It is too easy to point fingers and say I need to take responsibility because I have committed to pay back these loans. It isn’t that simple. We must not ignore the predatory nature of loan servicers. We can’t overlook how most borrowers can only cover the interest; many people haven’t made a dent in their debt. Or the fact that there is a lack of debt navigation programs and funding for those programs to help graduates understand the process. This system sets borrowers up to fail. 

When I reflect on my student loans, it feels like I am in a never-ending cycle. I can defer my loans and get a temporary break from paying them. Still, student loans are just another burden that continuously weighs me down in addition to the cost of rent, utilities, phone, car insurance, car note, and buying groceries. Student loan debt relief was the promise. To not yet deliver on that promise is an outrage. 

I have dreams. I want to accomplish so many things in this world before I leave. Whether I choose to put my journalism degree to use and start a magazine or further my education and get my law degree, with the weight of student debt on my shoulders, my dreams look more like fantasies that will never become a reality. But with the stroke of a pen, President Biden can turn this current nightmare of student loan debt into a dream of opportunity where I can build the life I want for me, my family, and my community.

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Akii Butler was born in Virginia Beach, VA and raised in Youngstown, OH. He is Ohio Student Association’s student organizer for the Columbus area and Kent State University. Before joining OSA, Akii spent his time organizing as a student at Kent State University, and after with a local organization. During his time with OSA, Akii hopes to make an impact and bring emerging and unique college students together to help make the change they want to see.

Read more student debt stories from the Alliance Network on the Dreams Not Debt page.

Join us this week!

We are in a massive student debt crisis. $1.7 trillion is owed by 44 million people across the country, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown youth. That’s why we launched Dreams Not Debt – our campaign to put pressure on President Biden to deliver on his campaign promise to forgive student loans and take even bolder steps to address the student debt crisis. Dreams Not Debt also invites student loan borrowers to tell us their dreams of a future without student debt holding them back. Will you join us?

Week of Action

Monday, April 4th

PICK UP THE PEN, JOE: April 4th Day of Action for Student Debt Cancellation

The Alliance team is hitting the streets! We’re joining our friends at Debt Collective alongside our network organizations Ohio Student Association and Virginia Student Power Network in Washington D.C. in front of the Department of Education for a Student Debt Cancellation Action!

Check out our Instagram for updates!

Tuesday, April 5th

Dreams Not Debt Twitter Chat at 2pm ET

Join us for a Twitter Chat about the effects of the student debt crisis and how we can create a debt-free future.

Wednesday, April 6th

Community Dreams

Check back for or updates on how our network organizers are fighting to change the policy landscape for education at every level!

Thursday, April 7th

Student Debt Stories

We’ll be highlighting student debt stories on our social media. Whether you currently have student debt or are worried about future student debt, we want to hear your story. Stories are a powerful tool in the fight to pressure elected officials to take action.

Friday, April 8th

Sign the Petition

A problem as massive as the student debt crisis requires bold solutions. That’s why we’re calling the Biden Administration to:

• Take bolder steps in addressing the student debt crisis by canceling all current student debt
• Reform the student loan program to mitigate future student debt
• Make public colleges and universities free for all students

Stay updated by following the Alliance on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! And when you participate in these events throughout the week, don’t forget to tag us and hashtag #DreamsNotDebt. 

This week, President Biden took the stage to deliver his first State of the Union Address where he spoke directly to the American people about his vision for the nation. And then it was our turn. 

There were major hits like Biden’s enthusiasm to nominate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman to join the Supreme Court and President Biden addressing COVID-19 on day one. The American Rescue Plan provided the essential overdue help that young people needed – especially Black, Latinx, and Indigenous youth and their families who have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19. 

But there were also major misses. At one point, his congressional colleagues cheered as Biden declared the answer to the recent spike in crime rates is to provide more funding to the police. We want more care for our communities, not more criminalization. Biden also failed to mention policy issues important to young people like the Build Back Better bill and student debt. A national poll we conducted in January showed that the majority of young people – 62% – support some form of student loan debt forgiveness. President Biden promised to deliver relief through debt cancellation and it’s time for him to follow through. President Biden can use his executive power to take action right now to deliver for the people. See how you can take action through our Dreams Not Debt campaign.

President Biden addressed the nation, then it was our turn.

Our Live Reactions

Young People Address the Nation

Alliance Network organizers shared their own messages on the state of the union with Young People Address the Nation.

One year ago, President Biden took office with Democratic control of the House and Senate because young people turned out across the country to deliver their victories in 2020. But right now, it is clear that young people believe the Biden Administration and both parties in Congress are failing them.

Our sister organization, Alliance for Youth Organizing, in collaboration with Civiqs, surveyed young voters ages 17 – 39 nationwide from across the political spectrum. We asked how they feel about the country’s future, what policies the Biden Administration should prioritize, how they plan to engage this year leading up to the midterm elections, and more.

This poll should ring the alarm for political leaders in Washington to focus on the policy priorities that young people care about well ahead of November.

Some Highlights

Political leaders need to make a major course correction to court young voters this fall

When asked about the future of the United States, sixty-six percent of young voters said they feel pessimistic. Gen-Zers were the most cynical of the group. When asked about national politicians, most young people said they have a negative view of politicians in DC and Congress as a whole. In fact, no national politicians or parties in Congress are viewed positively by most young people in America. The majority of young people – fifty-six percent – say they are frustrated with politicians in Washington, D.C. However, young voters feel more positive about their local governments, highlighting the importance of year-round local organizing to civically engage more young people.

Young people are clear about their policy demands 

Nearly half of young people, including twenty-one percent of Democrats, do not believe the Biden Administration is working on policies that positively impact their lives. Instead, more than seventy percent of young people believe politicians prioritize the interests of wealthy Americans, a view shared by Democrats, Independents, and even Republicans. Young voters want to see elected leaders in Washington prioritize increasing taxes on the rich, transitioning to clean energy, Medicare for All, stronger voting rights protections, and canceling student debt.

Young voters will be a critical electoral force this November 

Despite negative views on national politicians, interest in voting in the midterms is still high amongst young people – eighty-nine percent say they intend to vote this year. They also indicated that supporting more young people to run for office is the best way to get politicians to work on policies that benefit young people.

Young people are sending a clear message to our elected leaders – you’re failing us. Just last week, the Senate failed to pass crucial voting rights legislation and President Biden has yet to deliver on his promises like student loan debt forgiveness. But youth organizers in the Alliance Network will not stop combating voter suppression in their states, fighting for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and youth of color to have access to the ballot box, and mobilizing Gen-Zers and Millennials to stand by their demands. 

Now, it is time for our elected officials in Washington to have the same energy and commitment as youth organizers on the ground.

After embarking on a year-long process, Alliance staff, Board members, and executive directors in our network have crafted a five-year strategy that will guide the next phase of the Alliance. Download a copy of our new strategic plan to get a full view into the next five years of strengthening the Alliance Network!

For the next five years, we will prioritize deep network capacity building, embrace our identity as a funding intermediary, and expand the network. As a part of network expansion, we will center and support the growth and development of emerging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders who are spearheading youth-led civic engagement organizations that have historically been and continue to be systemically under-resourced.

This strategic plan re-envisions how we fuel the growth and sustainability of year-round grassroots organizing and local power building led by the youth organizations in the Alliance Network. But the why remains the same – to create a world where our democracy works for everyone and where all people – no matter where they come from, what they look like, or how they identify – live in loving, safe, and thriving communities.

The Year Ahead

In addition to the release of our strategic plan, we have a big year ahead! Here’s what’s to come from the Alliance in 2022.

Getting Young People #VoteReady

We saw record breaking youth voter turnout in the 2018 midterm elections and we plan to bring that same energy to the 2022 midterms. The Alliance Network knows what is at stake this year and won’t hold back! Make sure you and your community is #voteready this year.

Fighting for the Issues Young People Care About

From asking President Biden to take on a bold, progressive agenda to keeping Congress accountable, we are ensuring that every person in power knows where young people stand on big issues. This year, we’re keeping up the fight and turning up the heat. Join us and take action today.

Centering Storytelling

In 2022, we will center more stories from BIPOC youth in our Network who are on the ground organizing and building youth power in their communities. Stay up to date with all things youth organizing by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Building a Stronger Organization

This year, the Alliance staff will intentionally and thoughtfully collaborate with executive directors in our network and our Board members to begin implementing our new strategic plan to re-envision how we fuel the growth and sustainability of year-round grassroots organizing and local power building led by the youth organizations in the Alliance Network. This is the work behind the work. Download a copy of the new strategic plan today.

We are wrapping up 2021 by celebrating our greatest hits of the year! From passing progressive policy in state legislatures to turning out the youth vote nationwide, the Alliance Network made this a year to remember.

Track 1: We took action to impeach and remove Trump from office

On January 7th, we released a statement demanding that Trump and allies in Congress be held accountable for the acts of violence on January 6th. Although young people know our democracy is nowhere near perfect, the events of January 6th were a sobering reminder of how far we have yet to go.

Track 2: We fought for federal and local voting rights action

Our vote is one of our most powerful tools for change, and right now, our voting rights are under attack. We will continue to fight to protect our freedom to vote. Youth-led organizations in our Network are fighting back to defend our democracy, but we need everyone in this fight.

Track 3: We advocated for a future free of student debt

This year we launched our Dreams Not Debt campaign. With $1.7 trillion owed by nearly 44 million people in the US, it’s safe to say we are in a massive student debt crisis that especially hurts young people already stunted by rising housing prices, low wages, and recession. We launched Dreams Not Debt to build a future where young people are financially free to dream.

Track 4: Our network celebrated progressive wins in state legislatures

Young people have been at the forefront of the most critical fights for our communities taking place in state legislatures.This year our Network orgs took the necessary steps to strengthen our democracy and block harmful legislation that threatens it. 

Track 5: We hosted an IG Live with Vice President Kamala Harris and Storm Reid on voting rights

This summer, Alliance Network orgs fostered the development and civic education of young people through internships, fellowships, and other organizing programs! Take a look at our Hot Organizing Summer recap.

Track 7: Alliance orgs got young people #VoteReady during the civic holidays

Who said 2021 had to be an off-year?! This fall Network organizers were hard at work getting young people #VoteReady. As our youth continue to be innovative on the streets and online getting people registered to vote, we encourage you to get #VoteReady ahead of another big election year.

Track 8: Our Network turned out the youth vote for the election

This year, in addition to electing progressive candidates and winning on key issues, Alliance organizations did what they do best – turn out young voters! Check out our Election Day recap to see what our Network orgs were up to this election season.

Track 9: We welcomed a new Executive Director

And if you haven’t heard, we recently welcomed Dakota Hall as the new Executive Director of the Alliance! We are incredibly excited to see what he has planned for the future of youth organizing. Get to know Dakota with this blog post announcing his hire!

Watch our new Executive Director, Dakota Hall, have an exciting conversation about the future of youth organizing with journalist and Alliance for Youth Action board member, Paola Ramos.

Follow us on Instagram & Turn on Live Notifications

Have you followed the Alliance on Instagram yet? Be the first to see new video content and photos, get frequent updates about Alliance Network orgs, and discover new and exciting ways to engage with us! 

Get notified any time new Alliance content is available. Head over to our Instagram profile and click the bell icon in the top right corner. To receive a notification when we go live, make sure “Live Videos” is switched to “all.”

Learn more about Dakota and join us in welcoming him as the Alliance’s new Executive Director.

It is that time of year again where the old false narrative of Pilgrims and Indigenous peoples coming together in harmony deeply roots itself into the American psyche – Thanksgiving. We can not, and must not, continue rewriting history.

From textbooks to school theater productions, the blatant lie told to our children of the romanticized relationship between Indigenous peoples and Pilgrims is the bedrock of the erasure and discrimination of Indigenous peoples in this country. Now more than ever, we must tell the truth about our past and address all that Indigenous peoples are facing today. 

For far too long, Indigenous peoples’ systematic and institutionalized discrimination has existed with little to no mainstream attention. We must shed light on the immense challenges Indigenous communities face from the climate crisis and ongoing global pandemic to the murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. And the remnants of centuries-long abuse and neglect by the federal government still exist across Indigenous reservations today  – lack of infrastructure, access to clean drinking water, investment in schools and healthcare, and more. These struggles are due to the federal government failing to honor treaties and provide Indigenous communities with resources and basic necessities to live. 

Thanksgiving is not the only holiday that attempts to rewrite American history. Many holidays, including Columbus Day and Independence Day, are rooted in the genocide, oppression, and erasure of Indigenous people. Not confronting our past contributes to systematic and institutionalized racial abuse as well as societal discrimination seen in the racist team mascots and school plays with white and non-Indigenous who “play Indian” while often mocking sacred dances, clothing, and ceremonies. 

While millions come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, many Indigenous folks wonder what exactly we can be thankful for when our communities face so much. In 2020, our country had a so-called racial reckoning after the civil unrest, protests, and uprisings due to the police murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and so many others. However, when confronted with opportunities to make a systemic change or to right the wrongs from centuries past, white America balks time and time again. 

Join me in taking action and supporting Indigenous-led organizations that center the voices and issues impacting Indigenous communities every day. We must not forget the past sins of disease, warfare, and massacres while we fight for Indigenous peoples to survive today and thrive in the future. 

Take Action

• Sign the Change the Name petition
• Join the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women
• Advocate for Native Students and Schools Impacted by COVID-19

Donate

• Native Organizers Alliance 
• IllumiNative
• Center for Native American Youth
• NDN Collective