About Us
Our Mission:
The San Diego Creative Youth Development Network (SDCYDN) is a coalition of providers, partners, and young people dedicated to harnessing their collective strength to build the field of creative youth development to maximize impact for youth.
Our Tether:
The San Diego Creative Youth Development Network is committed to action and accountability as we center ourselves in knowing that racism exists in all aspects of our work. We are committed to using inclusive restorative protocols to address harms and restore relationships in our community and within ourselves. We stand for a vision of radical healing and strive to model liberatory practices for the youth and all the communities we serve.
What is Creative Youth Development?
Creative Youth Development (CYD) is a holistic approach to deeply engaging young people through the arts and creativity to promote personal well-being and to support them in reaching their full potential.
Building public awareness of the impact of youth arts programs as drivers of personal and community change.
- Initiate and conduct field research & evaluation
- Launch communications & campaigns
- Convene Community Stakeholders
Sharing expertise and best practices with youth arts programs.
- Provide leadership & professional development
- Provide networking & peer learning opportunities
- Offer technical assistance
Cultivating new pathways of support that benefit all local youth arts programs.
- Advocate for policy & systems change
- Grow diversity in funding
- Pursue collective funding opportunities
Our Partners
Featured Stories
Briana From
A Step Beyond
Watch Briana's Story
Beto From
AjA Project
Watch Beto's Story
Andrea From
transcenDANCE
Watch Andrea's Story
Join Our Movement
All CYD teaching artists, practitioners, and organizations are welcome! Email Shayla James at sdcydn@gmail.com for information about joining these meetings, and the other spaces we hold.