YOUTH POWER FOR TRANSPORTATION EQUITY

BY JACOB SMITH

The "Youth Power for Transportation Equity" project will harnesses the power of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color identifying* young people (15-29) to spearhead a national conversation on the role of BIPOC youth in transforming the US transportation system to be equitable, inclusive and sustainable.

The National Youth Transportation Equity Convening, organized and hosted by NOYS, amplifies the voices and experiences of youth with a focus on those who are Black, indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and represent marginalized communities. Decades of peer-to-peer educational programs in the U.S have resulted in young people, particularly marginalized youth, no voice in determining the future of their transportation system.  NOYS will educate and engage 200 youth through the YOURS Policymakers Toolkit on how to advocate for Meaningful Participation in Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility.

Through a national convening and yearlong trainings and workshops, 200 BIPOC youth will be equipped to address transportation inequities in their local communities.

ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD

With a comprehensive background in nonprofit organizational managеmеnt, fundraising, and business dеvеlopmеnt, Jacob has spent nearly a dеcadе catalyzing positivе changе in communities across thе US.

Jacob is the Regional Leader of the Global youth Coalition for Road Safety and believes young people are the most powerful organic intellectuals in our movement. He is also the Executive Director of the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS).

Since 2014, he has presented at over 190 conferences and led projects in 12 states, mobilizing youth for safe and sustainable communities. Jacob serves as the Regional Leader of the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety and works across the nation to mobilize young people to meaningfully engage in participaation for road safety and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through his experience as a nonprofit executive, organizer, activist, and strategist, Jacob recognizes that all the most pressing road safety issues can be solved and transformed by youth activists.

ABOUT THE LEAD ORGANISATION

The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS)

The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) is a national youth-powered health and safety organization. Their mission to unite, equip and build capacity for marginalized youth to lead in addressing transportation equity and mobility justice

It builds an inclusive, connected, and diverse youth-powered community to address pressing health and safety issues affecting youth across the nation. NOYS believes that social justice is deeply connected to our health and safety.