Local data revealed significant disparity across systems for youth of color, particularly young men; published findings identified policies at the federal, state and local levels that tend to create disproportionate outcomes for young men of color. In response, the Ingham Lansing Community Coalition for Youth (CCY), an advisory to Ingham County Board of Commissioners and City of Lansing formed the Ingham Change Initiative (ICI) to change how systems work for children of color and to help young people strive for success.

The Peace & Prosperity Movement is a project of the ICI that cultivates strategic grassroots and community-level partnerships to connect Ingham County youth with opportunities and to promote positive outcomes such as peace, diversity, inclusion, healthy lifestyles, dropout prevention, preparation for higher education, and entrepreneurship. Imagine what would have to change to assure all young people in Ingham County have the opportunity to achieve excellence…the Peace & Prosperity Movement is all about building social capital and resource networks that will support youth in making a successful transition from middle and high school to higher education, entrepreneurship and careers.

Goal: To ensure that the Ingham Change Initiative is informed by the views and voice of youth who may be disproportionately and negatively impacted by systems and policies.

Objectives:

• Conduct outreach and engagement of youth around the issues of the Ingham Change Initiative
• Coordinate events and opportunities to connect youth with youth serving agencies and organizations
• Educate youth on the legislative process and the role of advocacy in influencing policy, programming and perception
•  Provide training for youth to serve as presenters, facilitators and peer advocates
• Facilitate focus groups and community dialogue on issues, public policies and practices affecting youth