Youth for Change

Youth for Change International was founded during the last week of Novemember in 2005. But what are the roots of the organization? Written by Zach K., the founder.

My sister and I created our own coffee stand on our street corner in the Summer of 2005, before YFCI was founded. The stand served fresh Alterra Coffee, a premium brand in Milwaukee (mostly Organic and Fair-Trade), and had punch cards. The actual purpose of the stand was to raise money for the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF). We raised around $450 (estimated by the local UNICEF Store), and afterwards we won the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee Youth Leadership Award, 2005. It was a great accomplishment, but I wondered what the rest of the world could do if we banded together. 

With support from numberous people at the UNICEF Voices of Youth Forums, Youth for Change was founded. With many strong supporters, YFCI eventually made its way to TakingITGlobal.org, YouthNoise.com, and other networking websites. But the goal stayed the same; to get youth inspired by the problems of the world, and take action. After the first year, YFCI had over 100 members. The growth of YFCI started to rapidly increase, and by the next year, we had over 250 members. We became strong partners with A Better Community for All, Youths on the Move Intl., and many other youth organization partnerships followed.

We went through good times together, and bad times together. I truly hope that we will continue, united, and truly be influential in the world.

Zach Komes, Founder and Executive Director, Youth for Change International