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

our powerful principles

  • 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.

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