iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

According to a new study, low socioeconomic opportunities negatively impact a child’s brain development. With over 2,300 child participants, they determined sensory processing & motor control centers are most impacted by socioeconomic disadvantage. www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/socioec...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Here with a friendly reminder that we have FIVE charity bibs for the 2027 Boston Marathon! If you are interested in joining TeamYAF 2027, please fill out the application form at bit.ly/TeamYAF2027 . Applications are closing tomorrow night! #BostonMarathon2027 #RunForGood #CharityRunner

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Congratulations to our board member, Darnell Thigpen Williams, on the publication of his new book, Black Excellence by Design: A Critical Framework for Transforming K-12 Education! (a.co/d/00A6LPKu) 🎉

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage month! At YAF, we celebrate pioneers in youth education and advocacy: Gabriela Mistrak, Jaime Escalante, and Sandro Cisneros. Please join us in celebrating their contributions, as well as the invaluable experience of the Hispanic community. #hispanicheritagemonth

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—Youth Advocacy Foundation has FIVE charity bibs for the 2027 Boston Marathon! 🎉 If you are interested in joining TeamYAF 2027, please fill out the application form here: forms.gle/awEqaA9oyTeM... #bostonmarathon #runboston #charityrunner

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

September means back-to-school and for the young people we serve, it can also mean overwhelming stress. That's why we created our Client Support Fund, because a student cannot focus on learning without food, a home, and basic tools they need to succeed. youthadvocacyfoundation.org/donate

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

A new paper by Naoka Carey, Lael Chester & Noor Toraif reviews current knowledge on the developmental needs of emerging adults, how the adult criminal justice system can undermine healthy development, and the social & biological factors that promote psychosocial maturity and desistance from crime.

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The MA Senate has voted to approve an amendment that would raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include most 18-year-olds. Read more here: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/raise-t...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Welcome, Avery Borreliz! Learn more about our newest board member here: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/welcome...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

The federal government has announced plans for special education responsibilities will be transferred to the DH&HS, while education civil rights enforcement will be moved to the DoJ. This is a part of several sweeps from the current administration to dismantle the federal Department of Education.

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom and equality are worth fighting for, and that the work of creating a more just future must continue. Today, we reflect on the past, celebrate Black history and culture, and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for all young people to thrive.

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Pride is a time to celebrate protecting the rights & ensuring the safety of LGBTQ community members. This month, we're recognizing the progress made in MA while continuing to advocate for safe and supportive learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth everywhere. #PrideMonth #SafeSchools #StudentRights

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

When advocates, educators, and youth-serving professionals have the right tools, more young people can thrive. YAF recently presented at the Youth At Risk Conference on the intersection of education and juvenile court. Read more: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/investi...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Tomorrow we celebrate 25 years of fighting for MA students and we couldn't do it without our incredible sponsors! A huge thank you to all of our corporate and individual supporters! Online raffle tickets close TONIGHT at 8pm — grab yours at bit.ly/yaf25years before they're gone!

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Students deserve care, support, and dignity — never isolation behind closed doors. YAF & EdLaw will keep fighting for safe, compassionate schools where every young person can thrive. Read more at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/every-c...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Our latest Newsletter is out! To read the FY26 Q3 newsletter, check your email or visit our website now at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/theadvocate If you're not on our email list yet and want to stay connected with YAF, please join our list at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/contactus

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

🌍 Greece, Iceland, or Costa Rica — YOU pick! Our Dream Vacation Raffle is officially on sale and one lucky winner chooses their dream getaway from 3 incredible packages! 🎉 More details at: youthadvocacyfoundation.org/25yearsraffle

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Last week, EdLaw Staff Counsel Alexis Rickmers represented YAF and EdLaw at Boston Public Schools' Autism Acceptance Event — a wonderful gathering connecting families of children with Autism to local resources and support. 💙 (1/3)

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Tuesday, a MA Superior Court judge denied the state's motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit fighting for special education services for students with disabilities in HoC's and it was a strongly worded decision! (Read the full decision at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/post/big-new...) (1/3)

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Yesterday we paused to honor Gideon Day 🤝 — a reminder that justice should never depend on your income. The 1963 Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright guaranteed the right to legal counsel for those who can't afford it. A ruling that changed lives and still resonates today.

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

🎓 We are beyond proud to celebrate our board member, Dr. Darnell Thigpen Williams! His dissertation, Black Excellence by Design, isn't just an academic milestone — it's a blueprint for the transformation we fight for every day. Congratulations, Darnell! 🧵 #BlackExcellence #EducationAdvocacy

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of Mae Jemison. Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of John Lewis and Marsha P. Johnson. Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist and poet, Audre Lorde. Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist and poet, Maya Angelou. Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist, educator, and author, Bayard Rustin. Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

In celebration of Black History Month, today, we spotlight the remarkable life and lasting contributions of activist, educator, and author, Ida B. Wells. Happy Black History Month! Remember learning and honoring Black history doesn’t just begin and end in the month of February! 🖤

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

📣Extra, extra! 🗞 Our latest issue of The Advocate: A YAF and EdLaw Newsletter was just released! To read the second quarter newsletter of our Fiscal Year 2026, check your email or visit our website now at: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/theadvocate

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

February is Black History Month. We celebrate Black excellence while recognizing the challenges Black youth still face. All month long we’ll highlight historic leaders, discuss equity in education, and share ways we can move forward together—because honoring Black history is year-round.

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Today and every day, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by continuing the work for justice and equity. At the Youth Advocacy Foundation, that means advancing educational equity for Black and Brown students who are disproportionately disciplined and marginalized. MLK Day is a day on.

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

🏃‍♀️ Day 5: Meet Juliette Barney 🏃‍♀️ Juliette is running the Boston Marathon with #TeamYAF to support students and families and help shut down the school-to-prison pipeline. Every mile makes an impact! 💙💛 Support her here: www.givengain.com/campaign/tea...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

🏃‍♀️ Day 4: Meet Ivana 🏃‍♀️ Ivana is running the Boston Marathon with #TeamYAF to support students and families who deserve strong advocacy and equitable access to education. Support Ivana here: www.givengain.com/campaign/tea... (find her name!)

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

🏃‍♀️ Day 3: Meet Cecelia Spiers 🏃‍♀️ Cecelia is running the Boston Marathon with #TeamYAF to support students and families who deserve strong advocacy and equitable access to education. Support Cecelia here: www.givengain.com/campaign/tea... 💙💛

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Day 2: Meet Becca Keddy who is running her 7th Boston Marathon and her 5th with #TeamYAF! She’s taking on 26.2 miles to support YAF’s work to help shut down the school-to-prison pipeline & ensure students have the advocacy and support they deserve. #RunForStudents #MilesForImpact #BostonMarathon20

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

This week, we’re highlighting 5 incredible runners helping us shut down the school-to-prison pipeline. Andrew is running with Team YAF to support students and families in accessing the education they deserve. Learn more about Andrew and why he’s running. www.givengain.com/project/andr...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Celebrating the progress we’ve made in 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, as we continue growing our impact and prepare to mark 25 years of advocating for students! #educationadvocacy #equityineducation

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Happy holidays! ✨Take a look at the impact highlighted here made possible by supporters like you standing up for youth across Massachusetts. If you’re still considering a tax-deductible 2025 donation, there’s still time to give: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/donate #EducationEquity #YouthAdvocacy

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

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.

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

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

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

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

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

📣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

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

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...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

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

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

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

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

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

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

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

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

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...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Want to help dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline? ✊ EdLaw is hiring Staff Counsel. Details: www.youthadvocacyfoundation.org/employment-i...

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Youth Advocacy Foundation @youthadvfdn.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

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...

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