Programs

YOUTH LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION (YLO)

The Youth Leadership Organization (YLO) strives to develop young leaders to engage in the local and global justice struggle. A project of Southwest Workers Union (SWU), the YLO emphasizes an inter-generational model to integrate youth into ongoing campaigns while promoting youth-led processes and leadership for social change.

ABOUT YLO

The Youth Leadership Organization (YLO) strives to develop young leaders to engage in the local and global justice struggle. A project of Southwest Workers Union (SWU), the YLO emphasizes an inter-generational model to integrate youth into ongoing campaigns while promoting youth-led processes and leadership for social change.

The YLO is a city-wide organization that provides social and leadership development skills to youth between the ages of 13 to 17. The YLO aims to create socially conscious youth thinkers and organizers.

Our movement is based on locally driven solutions, organizing communities of color, and empowering youth and their families towards social systemic change. YLO members participate all year in workshops, marches, protests, and art & music project. We believe young people have a say in the governance of schools.

SWU's Youth Leadership Organization at a climate change protest in Texas

Upcoming YLO Events:

YLO Summer Meet up at the Arcade, pizza, drinks and ticket cards provided.

Sunday, August 30th, 2026 @ 1pm - 4pm

Fill the form out for each child attending, age range is 13 to 18. An adult will be onsite to supervise and facilitate the gathering

Call 210.701.2212 for more information.

RSVP closes Saturday at 5pm

YLO PRINCIPLES

01
Culti-VATE

We will be in the Roots of Change Garden.  Gardening, watering, cleaning, and harvesting veggies. We will be learning DIY garden projects. But also using the space to give back to the land and get intune with our surroundings. 

02
SELF-CARE / CUIDADOS PERSONALES

Focusing on learning ways to take care of ourselves, physically, mentally, and spiritually. By going on hikes, pollution clean-ups, meditating, art, and culture, integrating self-reflection moments. Achieving summer goals together. 

03
LEARN / APRENDIZAJE

Learning from each other. Being able to understand the social justice lens within our communities. From environmental justice to globalization, and how everything is interconnected.