🌱 Micro-Systems Change: Three Ways to Make an Impact in Our Community Right Now

In some ways, it feels like our organization experiences the new year's reset at the start of February. As we discussed in our last newsletter, YP2F has led the youth count for the last several years, which requires us to work our hardest throughout the winter months and our January this year was very long and very busy. February brings a much-accomplished feeling as well as a sense of reprieve and reflection.

I've been thinking recently about micro-systems change as a more specific approach than "systems change"—a phrase that has recently started to confuse me. Going forward, I want to approach our work through the lens of micro-systems change. The broader systems context is unpredictable, precarious, and chaotic. It's easy to become lost, overwhelmed, and confused. My personal goal is to be a bit more myopic.

So, what does that mean exactly?

Rather than take on the full scope of ending youth homelessness, I want to work to ensure that the community of young people that use YP2F HQ regularly, and the networks that they belong to, and the organizations that they belong to, are supported and put on paths towards thriving in a world that is often moving towards entropy.

Also rather than thinking about Los Angeles as a whole, YP2F's focus hone in on making sure that the people that live in our neighborhood of Virgil Village, East Hollywood, and the surrounding areas are taken care of, and that our community, our HQ continues to be and grow as a hub for this local community and the people connected to it.

This doesn't discount the importance of large-scale systemic change, policy advocacy, or electoral politics. However, I believe that narrowing our focus right now will help build the foundation needed for larger-scale change. Our small organization has gone through a lot in the last two years—something we'll write more about in future newsletters. After years of great challenges, this approach is also something I want to do and find personally fulfilling.

I'm sharing all of this to invite you to participate in some micro-systems change:

1. Support a fundraiser for Axel, our podcast guest who was detained by ICE just weeks after appearing on our show.
2. Join our second food drive on February 14th to redistribute resources to local families impacted by ICE raids.
3. Attend the Community Makers Market hosted by Smile Cult this weekend.

<3 Robin, YP2F CEO

This past summer we recorded a podcast episode with Axel Pecero, a young advocate and father who serves as a dedicated advocate for foster youth. Currently an advocate for organizations such as California Youth Connection (CYC) and National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI). Just days after we recorded Axel was detained by ICE and is currently being held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County since his August arrest. The 25-year-old former foster youth and father, who was brought to the United States from Mexico as a small child and faces possible deportation.

February marks his six month in the detention center. Fatine and YP2F have been leading several efforts to support Axel throughout his court experience as well as supporting his family that has been impacted by his detainment. You can donate directly to a savings fund that's being generated for Axel to support his son and his younger brother. There will also be an event on February 15th hosted by Smile Cult where proceeds support Axel.

New Podcast out now! Axel Pecero on Fatherhood, Advocacy, and Building Community

This week’s episode: Host Tonny St. James sits down with Axel Pecero, a young advocate and father hailing from San Pedro, CA. Axel serves as a dedicated advocate for foster youth. Currently an advocate for organizations such as California Youth Connection (CYC) and National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) and

Young People to the FrontTonny St. James

On November 1st, YP2F supported and hosted one of the largest neighborhood food drives in response to the pause in SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. We collected over 6,500 pounds of food and activated hundreds of community members to help out.

On February 14th, we will be organizing another neighborhood food drive to support families across Los Angeles are being directly impacted by ongoing immigration enforcement actions. 

What is unique about this call to action is that it makes it possible for neighbors to show up for them, even if they can’t leave the house. Set unopened food donations outside your door and we’ll pick them up to donate to local families in need on Saturday, February 14th.

Sign up to volunteer and read more at fooddrivela.com

Come to YP2F HQ for a one-day Community Makers Market put on by one of our very favorite collaborator Smile Cult. The shop will feature curated items from over 15 local artists. Enjoy a special workshop by@vianneyharelly on making Valentine cards for your inner child, plus poetry readings. There will be a DIY tote station with pink totes and Valentine-inspired decals, and@chivivz will be taking portraits with a dreamy backdrop from @bysarahsteelo. Check out the full vendor list and come on by this weekend!