Reflection on the Day: A Moment to Remember, A Movement to Continue

As part of our 2025 Youth Days, NYEC Board Member and CEO of Arizona Center for Youth Resources, Sharlet Barnett, offered a moving reflection on what it means to gather in Washington, D.C., at a moment when youth voice, policy, and purpose intersect so powerfully. Her words capture not only the energy and urgency of these days, but also the deeper meaning behind why we convene: to elevate young people, strengthen partnerships, and advance the collective work of expanding opportunity. We are grateful to share her full reflection below—a testament to the passion, clarity, and commitment that continue to guide NYEC’s mission.

“Being here in Washington, D.C., during NYEC’s Youth Days reminds us of the power of collective
voice. Today wasn’t just about policy advocacy—it was about amplifying the possibility of those who
stand at the crossroads of challenge and potential. For that, we thank NYEC: for convening us, for
creating space at a pivotal time, and for showing what collaboration can achieve.

Side by side, we see what’s achievable when passion and perseverance lead the way. We celebrate
decades of work that has opened doors once closed. We listen to voices long overlooked. We share
stories of resilience that give meaning to the work we do. And we stand united where decisions that
affect millions are made—on behalf of youth and young people whose futures improve due to our
action. Think about what that means: policies debated today shapes youth education and employment for
years to come. Pathways created through our advocacy are transforming real lives, reshaping
neighborhoods, and restoring hope where opportunity once felt distant. That’s not just progress—it’s
proof that advocacy has a heartbeat. But even as we recognize the wins, the realities remain. Funding is fragile. Divides are deep. The needs of young people are evolving rapidly—faster than many systems are built to respond. That’s the challenge before us, and it’s why today matters. This isn’t work we finish in a day. This is work we sustain every day. So how do we carry this momentum forward?

• We continue elevating youth voice, not as a box to check, but as a direction to follow.
• We double down on equity—because talent is universal, but access is not.
• We continue to build stronger ecosystems of support, from Capitol Hill to our local
communities, from national coalitions to local partnerships.
• We treat advocacy not only as action, but as accountability—to those we serve and to the future we’re shaping.

We are not alone in this work. Each of us—whether a policymaker, youth leader, program director, or partner—holds a part of the solution. And when we align that effort, the future isn’t just brighter, it becomes shared. Today, we affirmed not just our place—but the place of those we represent. Today affirmed our commitment to improving the lives of the youth and young people in our communities and across our nation. Tomorrow demands we persist—with heart and resolve. Let this moment remind us: progress is possible, power is shared, and the movement continues— because we continue. As we leave D.C., let’s carry this momentum forward, not just in words, but in action, because the future of youth education and employment depends on the work we do, the voices we lift, and the opportunities we influence and create! Together, we build what’s next.”