Youth Advocacy Foundation
@youthadvfdn.bsky.social
The Youth Advocacy Foundation (YAF) works to ensure equitable access to quality education and to shut down the School-to-Prison Pipeline for all MA youth.
Saturday was National Adoption Day! We celebrate the children, families, & advocates who make loving, permanent homes possible. At YAF, we support youth and families through education advocacy, helping every child thrive in school and beyond.
November 24, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Saturday was National Adoption Day! We celebrate the children, families, & advocates who make loving, permanent homes possible. At YAF, we support youth and families through education advocacy, helping every child thrive in school and beyond.
We pause to honor the transgender individuals whose lives were taken by violence, hate, & systemic neglect. Their memories should fuel our commitment to change. We stand with transgender youth and the trans community in grief, love, and solidarity. #ProtectTransYouth #TransRightsAreHumanRights
November 20, 2025 at 10:00 PM
We pause to honor the transgender individuals whose lives were taken by violence, hate, & systemic neglect. Their memories should fuel our commitment to change. We stand with transgender youth and the trans community in grief, love, and solidarity. #ProtectTransYouth #TransRightsAreHumanRights
We’re thrilled to celebrate YAF Board Member Darnell Thigpen Williams on being selected for DESE’s “Influence 100”! 🎉 This program develops rising leaders to become equity-focused superintendents across Massachusetts. Read more at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/yaf-dir... #EquityInEducation
November 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
We’re thrilled to celebrate YAF Board Member Darnell Thigpen Williams on being selected for DESE’s “Influence 100”! 🎉 This program develops rising leaders to become equity-focused superintendents across Massachusetts. Read more at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/yaf-dir... #EquityInEducation
📣Extra, extra! 🗞 Our latest issue of The Advocate: A YAF and EdLaw Newsletter was just released! To read the first quarter newsletter of our Fiscal Year 2026, check your email or visit our website now at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/theadvocate
November 5, 2025 at 9:53 PM
📣Extra, extra! 🗞 Our latest issue of The Advocate: A YAF and EdLaw Newsletter was just released! To read the first quarter newsletter of our Fiscal Year 2026, check your email or visit our website now at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/theadvocate
With efforts to weaken the DoE and battles over what students can learn, Trump has turned classrooms into reflections of America’s struggles with equity, truth & power. Judge Jay Blitzman breaks down how these policy moves could reshape public education for generations.
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
October 27, 2025 at 6:33 PM
With efforts to weaken the DoE and battles over what students can learn, Trump has turned classrooms into reflections of America’s struggles with equity, truth & power. Judge Jay Blitzman breaks down how these policy moves could reshape public education for generations.
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
We’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read today's stories 👉https://www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebrate-pro-bono-week-2025-friday-recognition
October 24, 2025 at 5:32 PM
We’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read today's stories 👉https://www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebrate-pro-bono-week-2025-friday-recognition
We’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read today's stories 👉https://www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebrating-pro-bono-week-2025
October 23, 2025 at 8:18 PM
We’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read today's stories 👉https://www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebrating-pro-bono-week-2025
We’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read their stories 👉https://www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebrate-pro-bono-week-2025-wednesday-oct-22-recognition
October 22, 2025 at 3:44 PM
We’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read their stories 👉https://www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebrate-pro-bono-week-2025-wednesday-oct-22-recognition
TWe’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read their stories 👉 www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebra...
#CelebrateProBono #EducationEquity
#CelebrateProBono #EducationEquity
October 21, 2025 at 5:49 PM
TWe’re celebrating #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 Each day this week, we’re spotlighting the amazing firms & attorneys helping MA students access an equitable education. Read their stories 👉 www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebra...
#CelebrateProBono #EducationEquity
#CelebrateProBono #EducationEquity
It’s #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 This year’s theme, “Supporting Communities,” reflects what our amazing pro bono partners do every day—making justice a reality for vulnerable students. Read their stories all week at 👉
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebra...
#ProBono #EducationEquity
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebra...
#ProBono #EducationEquity
October 20, 2025 at 8:13 PM
It’s #ProBonoWeek2025! 💙 This year’s theme, “Supporting Communities,” reflects what our amazing pro bono partners do every day—making justice a reality for vulnerable students. Read their stories all week at 👉
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebra...
#ProBono #EducationEquity
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/celebra...
#ProBono #EducationEquity
Last call to join our 2026 Boston Marathon team! 💙🏃♂️
Applications are being reviewed this week. Every mile you run and every dollar you raise supports court-involved youth, students of color, and young people with disabilities across Massachusetts.
Apply now: forms.gle/hFJVd3p9TFev...
Applications are being reviewed this week. Every mile you run and every dollar you raise supports court-involved youth, students of color, and young people with disabilities across Massachusetts.
Apply now: forms.gle/hFJVd3p9TFev...
October 15, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Last call to join our 2026 Boston Marathon team! 💙🏃♂️
Applications are being reviewed this week. Every mile you run and every dollar you raise supports court-involved youth, students of color, and young people with disabilities across Massachusetts.
Apply now: forms.gle/hFJVd3p9TFev...
Applications are being reviewed this week. Every mile you run and every dollar you raise supports court-involved youth, students of color, and young people with disabilities across Massachusetts.
Apply now: forms.gle/hFJVd3p9TFev...
Want to help dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline? ✊ EdLaw is hiring Staff Counsel. Details: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/employment-i...
September 4, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Want to help dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline? ✊ EdLaw is hiring Staff Counsel. Details: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/employment-i...
Big news! The Governor just signed the Protect Education Equity bill into law! MA now protects immigrant & disabled students from discrimination in school. Huge win for families, equity, & justice. Onward to making sure it's fully enforced. Read more:
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/the-pro...
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/the-pro...
August 7, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Big news! The Governor just signed the Protect Education Equity bill into law! MA now protects immigrant & disabled students from discrimination in school. Huge win for families, equity, & justice. Onward to making sure it's fully enforced. Read more:
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/the-pro...
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/the-pro...
EdLaw w/ MAC, co-wrote a key brief on manifestation determinations that helped shape the Protect Education Equity Bill—now passed by the MA Legislature! 🎉 A huge win for immigrant students + students w/ disabilities. On to the Governor’s desk!
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/big-new...
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/big-new...
Big news: The Protect Education Equity Bill has officially passed the Massachusetts Legislature!
EdLaw attorneys, in partnership with Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC), co-wrote a critical brief to the Education Committee detailing the legislative history of manifestation determinations ...
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org
August 1, 2025 at 3:20 PM
EdLaw w/ MAC, co-wrote a key brief on manifestation determinations that helped shape the Protect Education Equity Bill—now passed by the MA Legislature! 🎉 A huge win for immigrant students + students w/ disabilities. On to the Governor’s desk!
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/big-new...
www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/big-new...
35 years ago, the ADA changed the game for disability rights. But too many students with disabilities — especially Black + Brown youth — are still pushed out of school.
At The Youth Advocacy Foundation, we fight for equity every day. The work isn’t done. #ADA35 #EndSchoolPushout
At The Youth Advocacy Foundation, we fight for equity every day. The work isn’t done. #ADA35 #EndSchoolPushout
July 28, 2025 at 8:32 PM
35 years ago, the ADA changed the game for disability rights. But too many students with disabilities — especially Black + Brown youth — are still pushed out of school.
At The Youth Advocacy Foundation, we fight for equity every day. The work isn’t done. #ADA35 #EndSchoolPushout
At The Youth Advocacy Foundation, we fight for equity every day. The work isn’t done. #ADA35 #EndSchoolPushout
A new report from Sen. Warren’s office outlines major impacts of recent efforts to dismantle the DoE, including cuts to student aid, civil rights enforcement, & education data systems.
Read more and the full report on our site:🔗 www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/new-rep...
Read more and the full report on our site:🔗 www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/new-rep...
July 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
A new report from Sen. Warren’s office outlines major impacts of recent efforts to dismantle the DoE, including cuts to student aid, civil rights enforcement, & education data systems.
Read more and the full report on our site:🔗 www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/new-rep...
Read more and the full report on our site:🔗 www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/new-rep...
MA just approved new rules on school time-out & seclusion—adding guardrails to protect students. Time-out must be in unlocked, safe spaces. Seclusion only in emergencies, with parental consent & oversight. New regs take effect Aug 2026. #EdEquity #StudentRights Read more:
July 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM
MA just approved new rules on school time-out & seclusion—adding guardrails to protect students. Time-out must be in unlocked, safe spaces. Seclusion only in emergencies, with parental consent & oversight. New regs take effect Aug 2026. #EdEquity #StudentRights Read more:
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people learned they were free. It’s a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate Black history — and recommit to racial justice, including equity in education. Learn more: nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stor...
#Juneteenth #EquityInEducation
#Juneteenth #EquityInEducation
June 19, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people learned they were free. It’s a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate Black history — and recommit to racial justice, including equity in education. Learn more: nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stor...
#Juneteenth #EquityInEducation
#Juneteenth #EquityInEducation
📺 John Oliver exposes the harsh realities of our juvenile justice system — from inhumane conditions to racial disparities & lack of education.
At YAF, we fight to change that.
Watch & share: youtu.be/Pya-kt5M7uY
#YouthAdvocacy #JuvenileJustice #EducationNotIncarceration
At YAF, we fight to change that.
Watch & share: youtu.be/Pya-kt5M7uY
#YouthAdvocacy #JuvenileJustice #EducationNotIncarceration
June 18, 2025 at 9:14 PM
📺 John Oliver exposes the harsh realities of our juvenile justice system — from inhumane conditions to racial disparities & lack of education.
At YAF, we fight to change that.
Watch & share: youtu.be/Pya-kt5M7uY
#YouthAdvocacy #JuvenileJustice #EducationNotIncarceration
At YAF, we fight to change that.
Watch & share: youtu.be/Pya-kt5M7uY
#YouthAdvocacy #JuvenileJustice #EducationNotIncarceration
It’s been a month since our Spring Celebration & we’re still feeling the love 💙💚 Thank you to everyone who made it so special! Miss it or want to relive the night? Highlights & full video, plus many more photos now up on our site www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/spring-2025-...
June 16, 2025 at 4:54 PM
It’s been a month since our Spring Celebration & we’re still feeling the love 💙💚 Thank you to everyone who made it so special! Miss it or want to relive the night? Highlights & full video, plus many more photos now up on our site www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/spring-2025-...
🌈 Happy Pride from YAF! We celebrate LGBTQ+ youth and stand with them amid rising attacks on their rights—especially trans youth. Pride is protest, and we’re committed to fighting for safety, equity & justice in schools and our communities—this month & every day. #pride #lgtbq #equityineducation
June 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
🌈 Happy Pride from YAF! We celebrate LGBTQ+ youth and stand with them amid rising attacks on their rights—especially trans youth. Pride is protest, and we’re committed to fighting for safety, equity & justice in schools and our communities—this month & every day. #pride #lgtbq #equityineducation
👏 Congrats to Michele Scavongelli on receiving the Pro Bono Publico Award at the Mass Bar Access to Justice Awards! She's helped 200+ families, built pro bono networks & fights daily to end the school-to-prison pipeline. So well deserved! Read more at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/yaf-exe...
June 6, 2025 at 3:09 PM
👏 Congrats to Michele Scavongelli on receiving the Pro Bono Publico Award at the Mass Bar Access to Justice Awards! She's helped 200+ families, built pro bono networks & fights daily to end the school-to-prison pipeline. So well deserved! Read more at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/yaf-exe...
EdLaw’s Wheatly Gulmi & YAF CEO/President Marlies Spanjaard have been part of a working group pushing DCF & DESE to notify schools when students enter foster care. Members of the group wrote this powerful op-ed calling for urgent change:
🔗 www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/05/o...
🔗 www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/05/o...
June 5, 2025 at 2:47 PM
EdLaw’s Wheatly Gulmi & YAF CEO/President Marlies Spanjaard have been part of a working group pushing DCF & DESE to notify schools when students enter foster care. Members of the group wrote this powerful op-ed calling for urgent change:
🔗 www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/05/o...
🔗 www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/05/o...
Thank you to everyone who joined us in person, tuned in online, donated, spoke, or sponsored our Spring event! Your support powers the fight for equity in MA education and literacy for all. 🎉 Recap videos + photos coming soon—stay tuned!
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/
May 19, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Thank you to everyone who joined us in person, tuned in online, donated, spoke, or sponsored our Spring event! Your support powers the fight for equity in MA education and literacy for all. 🎉 Recap videos + photos coming soon—stay tuned!
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/
youthadvocacyfoundation.org/
Tonight’s the night! 💙💚 If you can’t join us at the Charles Hotel, you can still watch our powerful program LIVE + join the auction & fund-a-need! 🎉
📺 yaf.ejoinme.org/livestream2025
#readingmatters #educationmatters #nonprofit #livestream #youthcharity
📺 yaf.ejoinme.org/livestream2025
#readingmatters #educationmatters #nonprofit #livestream #youthcharity
May 16, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Tonight’s the night! 💙💚 If you can’t join us at the Charles Hotel, you can still watch our powerful program LIVE + join the auction & fund-a-need! 🎉
📺 yaf.ejoinme.org/livestream2025
#readingmatters #educationmatters #nonprofit #livestream #youthcharity
📺 yaf.ejoinme.org/livestream2025
#readingmatters #educationmatters #nonprofit #livestream #youthcharity