Current Y.A.R.N. Working Groups
The goals of this group are to: (1) Make new and emerging research on critical youth issues more accessible and usable, (2) Create a pipeline of community-based knowledge into research, (3) Build the capacity of community-based organizations to design and implement practice for youth justice in the Philly and Camden areas, (4) Increase capacity for collectively resist against oppression in youth research and practice across sectors and institutions. Meets virtually 1 time per month. Youth Participatory Action Research
This ad-hoc working group supports the development and implementation of Youth Participatory Action Research projects with/for Y.A.R.N. members and our communities. Resources & Capacity-Building
Youth Participation & Power-Sharing
The goals of this group are to: (1) Increase youth participation and governance in Y.A.R.N. , which includes co-creating group governance structures to do this responsibly, (2) Co-design curriculum, shaping policy/advocacy work and co-developing resources, and (3) Support a space where youth can come together, network, present their work and build intergenerational relationships. Meets virtually 1-2 times per month. Current Y.A.R.N. Projects
May 2026 - Present
This Critical Youth Landscape Assessment aims to map out the top issues, interests, and priorities of youth organizers, youth-led organizations, and youth advocates in the Philly and Camden areas. The project is facilitated by Y.A.R.N. researchers at Rutgers University and members of the Y.A.R.N. Youth Participation Working Group, but is co-designed by 10-12 youth across the region. This project strengthens youth power-sharing in Y.A.R.N. by shaping the direction of our work, increasing partner organizations' capacity to respond to youth interests/priorities, and fostering intergenerational collaborations for youth justice in the area.
The project is projected to begin in July 2026. For more information, or to get involved, please email Angie Malorni at angie.malorni@rutgers.edu