About Lift Every Voice Oregon’s
Youth Leadership Academy
to End Gun Violence

Young leaders will play a critical role in LEVO’s ongoing effort to pass gun safety laws in Oregon. The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) brings together youth activists and leaders from Oregon and across the U.S. who support common-sense laws and policies that are effective in reducing gun deaths and injuries. With more than 250 participants from 25 states, YLA events are a forum for middle school and high school students to engage with national, state, and local leaders to learn about, and focus on, solutions to the epidemic of gun violence.

Founded by one of Lift Every Voice Oregon’s high school volunteers in 2020, students at the YLA have listened to the experiences of gun violence survivors and their families. They have explored strategies for youth advocacy and leadership, while learning about topics such as the history of gun laws in the U.S.; community and legislative responses to gun violence; academic research and evidence-based solutions for gun safety; the impact of gun violence on communities of color; words of wisdom and lessons from youth activists during the Civil Rights Movement; debunking myths about guns and gun violence; and the role of the music and the arts in civil justice movements. Past presenters include civil rights leaders, elected officials, victims of gun violence, community activists and grassroots organizers, faith leaders, artists, and academics.

All YLA events are presented free-of-charge. We welcome all youth to join our diverse and inclusive group as we work to make our homes and communities safer through common sense gun laws. Upcoming YLA events for high school and college students include signature gathering (see additional information on this page), social media, and YLA’s Spring 2022 Conference, which will focus on educational outreach, signature gathering, and mobilizing voters to pass LEVO’s Oregon gun safety ballot initiative in November 2022.

Watch this page for additional details about upcoming YLA events. And, please register using the link below if you would like to attend YLA events and join other youth volunteers working to pass common sense gun laws in Oregon.