One Step A La Vez’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a program designed for young people with lived experience with the juvenile justice system. Through leadership development, mentorship, civic engagement, and meaningful connections with community leaders, YAC gives youth a platform to share their experiences and help shape the systems that affect their lives.

YAC members participate in leadership training, group discussions, community events, and conversations with representatives from law enforcement, probation, local government, and community organizations. These experiences help youth develop confidence, communication skills, advocacy skills, and a stronger understanding of how they can contribute to their communities.

YAC also creates opportunities for young people to build positive relationships with caring adults and peers while learning how to turn their experiences into positive action. Youth are encouraged to identify challenges within their communities, share their perspectives, and work toward solutions that promote equity, opportunity, and positive youth development.

Through YAC, young people are not simply being asked to participate—they are being given opportunities to lead, speak up, and be part of the conversation.

Our goal is to empower young people to use their voices, build leadership skills, and become active partners in creating positive change within their communities and the juvenile justice system.