Associates

Associates are the next level of leaders at the YA-YA Network, they have a direct hand in running YA-YA Programs, work closely with YA-YA Staff, and serve as mentors to other participants in the YA-YA Community.

Meet Our Associates


Associate terms last a minimum of 6 months with the potential for an extension. Applications are not currently open.

Learn About the Roles

Communications Associate

The Communications Associate position is taken by a young person at YA-YA with a vested interest in media and communications as well as strong interest, affinity, and ability to grow in their media skills. The Communications Associate works closely with the Communications Director at YA-YA to conduct outreach of YA-YA Programs, updating YA-YA social media pages, taking an active role in our coalition work, and more. The Communications Associate must have a good eye for design, must have a dedication to social justice, and the ability to communicate well with multiple stakeholders, and must be able to work on a team.


The Communications Associate is a part-time position with a minimum term of 6 months with room to continue depending on the Associate’s desire and capacity to continue working in the role. Applicants must be a member of the YA-YA community and must submit a portfolio showcasing their skill in social media creation. The position is not currently open. Visit the application or email Communications Director, Raksha at raksha@yayanetwork.org to learn more about the requirements for this position.

Lead Organizers

The Lead Organizer position is taken by a YA-YA that exhibits both in their actions and passion in base-building and organizing around education justice within and outside of YA-YA. The associate must showcase interest in developing their skills in executing tactical plans and other organizing skills. The Lead Organizer is responsible for co-coordinating the Action Committee and facilitating meetings and decision making with the Organizing Director, representing YA-YA Network & campaign with public officials, coalition members, allies, and serving as a mentor to other YA-YA’s within the Action Committee.


The Lead Organizer is a part-time position with a minimum term of 6 months with room to continue depending on the Associate’s desire and capacity to continue working in the role. Applicants do not have to be long-term members of the community, but familiarity with YA-YA politics, community, and campaigns is highly preferred. Having experience as a facilitator and completion of the YA-YA Summer Institute is also recommended. This position is not currently open. To learn more about the role and responsibilities, visit the application or email Organizing Director, Shaktii, at shaktii@yayanetwork.org.

Facilitation Associate

The Facilitation Associate position is taken by a young person who has already been committed to YA-YA through their facilitation and participation and who has an interest as a Popular Educator. The Facilitation Associate works closely with the Program Director in developing and executing our main facilitation programs and initiatives including the Facilitation Bootcamp and Facilitation Squad. The responsibilities of the facilitation Associate include curriculum development, training of other participants in facilitation, providing 1:1 support to participants in facilitation programs, soliciting external workshops, and more.


The Facilitation Associate is a part-time position with a minimum term of 6 months with room to continue depending on the Associate’s desire and capacity to continue working in the role. Applicants must have 1 year of facilitation experience at YA-YA or elsewhere, must already be a YA-YA, and must be familiar with the popular education model of education. This position is not currently open. Visit the application or email our Program Director Destiny at destiny@yayanework.org to learn more about the role and requirements.