On August 6, 2025, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles hosted Resilience in Action 2.0 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Arte, bringing together youth and community partners for a day of dialogue, connection, and action.
This event built upon the foundation of the first Resilience in Action, which brought young people together for facilitated conversations with experts on resilience, leadership, and safe spaces. While the first event focused on listening, learning, and sharing, Resilience in Action 2.0 was designed to take the next step—moving the teens we serve from dialogue into meaningful action in their communities. It also reflected our deepening commitment to civic engagement, providing pathways for teens to turn ideas into community impact.
The day featured opening remarks from community leaders, including Sebastian Lozano, District Director for Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez (District 54), and longtime public servant and civic leader Mark Ridley-Thomas. Their message was clear: teens are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leading today.
Facilitated by our incredible partners—the Institute for Nonviolence Los Angeles and Kids Managing Conflict—dialogue circles provided a safe, supportive space for young people to address pressing issues impacting our communities. This year’s discussions included the recent immigration raids that have caused fear and uncertainty for many Los Angeles residents. Rather than taking a political stance, the conversations focused on our shared humanity—how to show compassion, offer support, and meet the needs of neighbors who may be feeling vulnerable, anxious, or isolated. Teens explored practical ways to stand in solidarity, build trust, and create welcoming environments for all. This approach aligns with our broader Center for Community Well-Being strategy: meeting individuals where they are, fostering belonging, and ensuring access to support.
After the dialogues, we shifted from conversation to opportunity. Across the LA Y, we shared upcoming volunteer opportunities where teens can make an immediate difference in their communities. Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez’s office also presented internship opportunities for young leaders ready to gain hands-on experience in public service. One of the most inspiring moments came from a group of teens who shared how they turned their commitment to action into reality by starting their own nonprofit—CLIP (Creating Legal Immigration Pathways). Founded by YMCA teens, CLIP provides one-on-one assistance with the naturalization process, document translation, and connections to accessible legal resources. Their work demonstrates the power of young people taking initiative to address real needs and reflects how this aligns with the YMCA’s New American Welcome Centers to increase our collective impact.
Following the opportunities to engage, participants enjoyed a guided tour of LA Plaza de Cultura y Arte, gaining a deeper understanding of the history and contributions of Mexican Americans in Los Angeles. This experience added important cultural context to the day’s conversations, connecting past and present in the shared work of building a stronger, more inclusive city.
Resilience in Action 2.0 wasn’t just an event—it was a step forward in building a Los Angeles where young people are equipped, supported, and empowered to lead with empathy and courage. It showed how civic engagement, when grounded in trust and relationship-building, can become a natural extension of teen leadership.
To every teen participant, community partner, and supporter—thank you for showing up and proving that when we come together, we can create the future we want to see. And we’re not stopping here—plans are already underway for Resilience in Action 3.0. Each gathering builds upon the last, creating a stronger network of young leaders, community partners, and advocates working together for a more connected and compassionate Los Angeles.
This opportunity was made possible through funding from LA vs Hate, a community-centered system designed to support all residents and communities targeted for hate acts of all kinds in Los Angeles County, led by the LA County Commission on Human Relations and powered by a diverse coalition of partners. It was also supported through funding from Y-USA via The Team Up Project, which invests in the power of connection to bridge divides, cultivate cooperation across differences, and create a brighter future for our communities and our nation.
Be on the lookout for what’s next—you won’t want to miss it.