what is the power is yours?

The Power Is Yours is a group of young people working to address issues and laws that impact their lives. Through this team, at More Than Words youth are the ones who:

> Identify issues that matter to them and their peers

> Run weekly programming for youth at More Than Words

> Plan and execute outreach to stakeholders

> Meet with legislators and public officials to advocate

> Author opinion pieces and letters

> Organize their peers to testify at public hearings.

"We are truly youth led and have the power to make decisions. It’s powerful when young people tell their stories and voice up for change in meetings. We are holding stakeholders accountable and joining conversations that we traditionally wouldn't have been a part of. We are taking back our power."

- Emilia, Graduate and Power is Yours Ambassador

what we stand for:

  • YOUTH VOICE

    Youth will be present, lead key meetings, and inform the process - always. Nothing about us without us!

  • TRANSPARENCY

    We will be clear and direct about our work with stakeholders and request the same from partners and public officials.

  • ACCOUNTABILITY

    We will hold public officials accountable to address issues that matter to us, and we will be accountable to them.

the issues we tackle

WE'RE KNOCKING DOWN WALLS

More Than Words has built an empowering model that acts like a trampoline - giving young people the lift they need to rise above the walls in their way. At the same time, we are committed to dismantling those walls entirely, guided by the leadership and lived expertise of our youth.

We stand with them as they expose the racist policies and dysfunctional systems that harm their communities, and we invest significant time and resources in advocating for youth‑driven priorities, particularly in criminal justice reform and in ensuring stronger transitions for young people leaving state care.

THE ISSUE

emerging adult justice

the compounding problem

The cases of youth 18+ are adjudicated in adult court, even though we know the brain doesn’t fully develop until age 25. ​
This disproportionally impacts youth of color and youth without family support, like those who are homeless or in foster care.
An adult criminal record and experience in adult jail have long term consequences for youth.

our proposal: keep youth out of jail

We need more diversion and more alternatives for youth before they are pushed into the criminal system. When they are involved, emerging adults, aged 18-20, need to move out of the adult justice system and into the more developmentally appropriate juvenile system. While not perfect, the juvenile system offers accountability while still including programming and supports like education requirements, lower recidivism rates, and no adult criminal record hampering jobs or housing.
Read the Fact Sheet

THE ISSUE

the child welfare cliff

the compounding problem

Youth aging out of foster care don't have adequate transition plans, and are not prepared for independence.

Few sign on to voluntary services, and there is not enough housing for those who do. Many become homeless.

Youth experiencing homlessness are at higher risk of being victimized or arrested, and cannot focus on education or employment.

our proposal: positive transitions

We need better ccountability and increased oversight for transition planning within state agencies, which is currently mandated but not enforced.​ Every youth should be engaged in planning for education, workforce, housing, healthcare, and more, and should access housing resources like Foster Youth to Independence vouchers. We can improve this with legislation, but existing systems, like Court and Family Law (CAFL) attorneys, can do more to support youth within current laws.
Read the Fact Sheet

achievements and recognition

  • Suffolk County District Attorney Debate 2022

    Our young people spoke with DA Hayden and Councilor Arroyo about how to support youth in the justice system.

    Watch the video 

  • Boston Mayoral Debate

    Youth leaders hosted a community conversation on homelessness, criminal justice, and police reform.

    Watch the Video 

  • Youth-Written Op-Ed in Boston Globe

    Naishalys and Emperis, two young woman who are navigating the transition out of state care, share their journey and charge the state to do better.

    Read the Op-Ed 

  • Suffolk DA announces diversion program for young adults

    Hayden announced the pilot program focus on accountability, wellness and transition out of the justice system at a panel with More Than Words.

    Read Press Coverage 

  • Youth-Written Op-Ed in the Boston Herald

    Power is Yours Ambassadors spoke about juvenile justice and their priority initiative to Raise the Age.

    Read the Op-Ed 

  • Speaking Up About the Child Welfare Cliff

    More Than Words CEO Jodi Partnered with Bridge Over Troubled Waters CEO to speak in Commonwealth Magazine.

    Read the Op-Ed 

  • Suffolk County District Attorney Debate 2018

    Youth leaders exposed sharp differences between the candidates on equity and juvenile justice.

    Read Press Coverage 

learn more. do more.

The Trampoline and the Wall

Are we truly getting a fair shot? Our systems too often reinforce harm, denying many young people the chance to thrive.

Learn more About the Wall here.

Raise the Age

Why Raise the Age to include 18-20 year olds in the juvenile justice system?

Learn why here.

Contact your MA Legislator

Help us and make your voice heard. Let your legislator know you care about the issutes we're tackling.

Find your legislator here.