Young New Yorkers

Our restorative art-diversion program consists of one-, two-, or three-day structured art sessions. RAD sessions are taught by teaching artists including YNY graduates and other credible messengers who have experience with the criminal legal system. YNY organizes RAD workshops for approximately 300 participants each year.YNY holds monthly graduate programs for young people to stay involved in our community following the completion of their session mandate. In 2021, YNY launched its fellowship program. YNY Fellows are invited to participate in weekly YNY staff meetings to share insights into how YNY can evolve as an organization. Fellows also co-facilitate RAD sessions providing peer mentorship for new participants, helping new them to investigate their personal choices while advocating for legal systems change. RAD programs typically culminate in courtroom exhibitions, attended by police officers, judges, and lawyers, to re-meet participants in a new context and see young New Yorkers beyond their rap sheets. Young New Yorkers recently collaborated with MoMA PS1 to hold its first ever virtual exhibition. Curated by graduates of YNY's programs, this public exhibit gave young people a platform to use their creativity and powerful voices to bring public attention to their experience with the criminal legal system, and their visions for its reform.