2021 Renamed the organization to be “Esperanza United,” bringing together our local and national work under one umbrella and honoring the work that brought us here. Youth Amig@s are Latin@ youth ages 12-18 committed to taking action that supports the mission of Casa de Esperanza. This initiative strengthens leadership, public speaking and presentation skills while providing opportunities and creating safe spaces for Latin@ youth to explore Latin@ identity, gender norms, and healthy relationships. Youth participants present workshops, lead community action projects, attend conferences and plan and lead their own annual youth leadership conference. After participating in the initial training, the youth amig@s are equipped: With knowledge to support their peers in promoting healthy relationships With confidence in their own leadership skills and Latin@ identity To develop workshops and presentations for their peers in schools and community settings, focusing on topics that are important to young people