Issues
The issues we organize on
Over three decades, YMPJ youth and families have taken on the conditions that shape life in the South Bronx.
Our youth members have led campaigns for environmental justice, police reform, tenant rights, education, youth employment and immigration reform. Here is where that work stands today.
Environmental justice
Low-income communities often bear the burden of pollution from railways, highways and industry. YMPJ has spent decades cleaning up the Bronx River, reclaiming Concrete Plant Park and Starlight Park, and pushing to turn the Sheridan Expressway into a neighborhood boulevard.
Environmental stewardship →
Housing and tenant rights
We hold housing workshops for tenants, homeowners and landlords, organize with tenants when a building faces an emergency, and look for ways to prevent displacement through affordable housing.
Youth and Community Organizing →
Immigrant rights
Our DOJ-recognized site offers free, confidential immigration services, and our organizers work for fair immigration policy.
Immigration services →
Food access and health
Community District 9 has 181 square feet of supermarket space per 100 residents, compared with 450 in the city’s best-served neighborhoods. We teach healthy cooking and train young chefs through Teen Battle Chef.
Food workshops →
Youth leadership and education
Young people get tutoring, college guidance and political education, and lead campaigns for youth employment and better schools.
Education for Liberation →
Economic opportunity
From the Soundview Economic Hub to the Westchester Avenue corridor, we build places where local entrepreneurs and small businesses can grow.
Community development →
Police reform
YMPJ youth have organized for police reform as part of our work to build a safe and just community.
Community organizing →
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