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Would this youth human rights nonprofit idea be impactful and worth pursuing?
Hi! I’m a 17-year-old senior from Indiana developing a national youth-led human rights nonprofit focused on empowering underserved and displaced youth through education, storytelling, and advocacy training—giving them the tools to speak for themselves.
Im trying to fill a growing gap in schools and communities: while STEM is prioritized, human rights and civics education are often ignored. Millions of young people grow up without knowing their basic rights—or how to protect them.
Even in developed nations, marginalized youth (immigrants, foster children, and minorities) rarely receive legal literacy—and when abuse or injustice happens, reporting systems are confusing, unsafe, or in another language.
My nonprofit would focus on things like bringing rights education to schools, shelters, refugee centers, and communities. Giving youth a platform to share their own stories, instead of being covered by journalists. Connecting youth with scholarships, legal aid info, and mental health resources. Also training students to teach rights education and lead advocacy programs.
Before launching, I’d love to know from mentors and professionals:
Does this sound like a mission you’d want to support or volunteer with?
What makes a nonprofit like this stand out or succeed long-term?
Any advice on making this idea realistic and scalable?
Thank you so much for your feedback—it means a lot as I work to build something that helps youth everywhere find their voice and know their rights.
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8 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Arpan !
I believe that the service that you are thinking about for young people/children is very noble, honorable and useful. I would be very happy to shed some light on the venture of Non-Profit so that you can be well informed and proceed with your mission as something doable. I have worked in at and for non-profits for 27 years in between two eras of Acting careers, so I would like for you to know some information. I have even been a Program Director for seven of those years in New York City for a social service organization.
As a senior in high school, you can formulate your idea into an extracurricular that can be continued at college. It will not be possible for you to start a Non-Profit Organization just yet at 17, but taking some steps to build up to that for the future career can be done. Your ideas are more of a Service or a Program than a Non-Profit. To eventually start a non-profit, you will need a lot of money/funding as well as a lot of credibility. You will also need to be willing to offer a variety of services, not just one.
After High School, you would enroll in college as a Public Administration, Human Services or Community Organization and Advocacy Major or a major connected to those. You may need to get your Masters Degree to work on a Thesis and Dissertation. Non-profits are not developed casually or just because there is a need or want to do so. It takes incredible amounts of networking in the community and you would also have to work at a non-profit in an Administrative or Program Director capacity for some years until you build up a very strong rapport and reputation with the community and have the support from local politicians and other non-profits that would refer clients to you. You'll also need to know how to write very strong Grant applications.
If you want to make an impact in your community in the future, you would follow those steps. Running a Non-Profit Organization is similar in some ways to running a for-profit company. All that you will need to know and learn is learned through the steps I've mentioned. For now, as a High School Senior, you can however start implementing your ideas through a club or extracurricular at school and carry it over to college.
Ask your teachers or guidance counselors how extracurriculars are developed at your school. Then write a proposal for your services. My advice is to make it for all students, all young adults regardless of background because you will want the most participation as possible. Never leave people out due to their background. Later on to start an organization your funding may have criteria needed, but for now, include everyone. Make sure you are completely familiar with The Constitution, Bill of Rights, Amendments, local, state and federal laws so that you can teach accurate information. Even a service connected to school or an already existing agency requires lots of planning and organizing. Take the time and you'll be on your way !
When it comes to Community Service, the goal is not to "stand out", the goal is to offer a very needed service as determined by statistics, not just what one person thinks is needed, rather what the community actually needs. It's about collaborating and being in partnership with other Non-Profits as well as political agencies and many for profit businesses. But you will learn this in college as well as working for an existing Non-Profit. Just strive to serve and you'll be successful. No need to "stand out". You'll naturally be appreciated.
So, there's my advice, from years of witnessing the ins and outs of Non-Profit Organizations. There's a lot to it, but it can be and is always accomplished. Just take the natural path for this future career and enjoy every step of the way. You will meet a lot of people and develop above average presentational skills among many other wonderful things.
P.S. Present your extracurricular at school as a Government extracurricular, not a human rights extracurricular because some school districts have specific guidelines on what they may allow in their schools. Within the group you form, you can present the human rights issues.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in all you do !
I believe that the service that you are thinking about for young people/children is very noble, honorable and useful. I would be very happy to shed some light on the venture of Non-Profit so that you can be well informed and proceed with your mission as something doable. I have worked in at and for non-profits for 27 years in between two eras of Acting careers, so I would like for you to know some information. I have even been a Program Director for seven of those years in New York City for a social service organization.
As a senior in high school, you can formulate your idea into an extracurricular that can be continued at college. It will not be possible for you to start a Non-Profit Organization just yet at 17, but taking some steps to build up to that for the future career can be done. Your ideas are more of a Service or a Program than a Non-Profit. To eventually start a non-profit, you will need a lot of money/funding as well as a lot of credibility. You will also need to be willing to offer a variety of services, not just one.
After High School, you would enroll in college as a Public Administration, Human Services or Community Organization and Advocacy Major or a major connected to those. You may need to get your Masters Degree to work on a Thesis and Dissertation. Non-profits are not developed casually or just because there is a need or want to do so. It takes incredible amounts of networking in the community and you would also have to work at a non-profit in an Administrative or Program Director capacity for some years until you build up a very strong rapport and reputation with the community and have the support from local politicians and other non-profits that would refer clients to you. You'll also need to know how to write very strong Grant applications.
If you want to make an impact in your community in the future, you would follow those steps. Running a Non-Profit Organization is similar in some ways to running a for-profit company. All that you will need to know and learn is learned through the steps I've mentioned. For now, as a High School Senior, you can however start implementing your ideas through a club or extracurricular at school and carry it over to college.
Ask your teachers or guidance counselors how extracurriculars are developed at your school. Then write a proposal for your services. My advice is to make it for all students, all young adults regardless of background because you will want the most participation as possible. Never leave people out due to their background. Later on to start an organization your funding may have criteria needed, but for now, include everyone. Make sure you are completely familiar with The Constitution, Bill of Rights, Amendments, local, state and federal laws so that you can teach accurate information. Even a service connected to school or an already existing agency requires lots of planning and organizing. Take the time and you'll be on your way !
When it comes to Community Service, the goal is not to "stand out", the goal is to offer a very needed service as determined by statistics, not just what one person thinks is needed, rather what the community actually needs. It's about collaborating and being in partnership with other Non-Profits as well as political agencies and many for profit businesses. But you will learn this in college as well as working for an existing Non-Profit. Just strive to serve and you'll be successful. No need to "stand out". You'll naturally be appreciated.
So, there's my advice, from years of witnessing the ins and outs of Non-Profit Organizations. There's a lot to it, but it can be and is always accomplished. Just take the natural path for this future career and enjoy every step of the way. You will meet a lot of people and develop above average presentational skills among many other wonderful things.
P.S. Present your extracurricular at school as a Government extracurricular, not a human rights extracurricular because some school districts have specific guidelines on what they may allow in their schools. Within the group you form, you can present the human rights issues.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in all you do !
Updated
Najah’s Answer
I see your mission as something truly important and worth supporting. It isn't just about being "inspiring"—it's smart and strategic. You're tackling a big issue: young people often learn to memorize, but not to understand power, voice, or rights. You're changing that.
Here are some tips for making a lasting impact:
1. Your strength lies in your structure, not your age. You've already identified the problem, which is a big step. To be taken seriously, focus on:
- Building a solid governance structure with a board, youth advisory council, and mentors.
- Starting a pilot project with data you can reference.
- Partnering with organizations that already reach the people you want to help.
- Collaborating with others instead of doing everything alone.
2. What makes your project unique is that it's led by young people and supported by experienced practitioners. Many organizations claim to focus on youth but put adults in charge. Your advantage is:
- Teaching students about rights.
- Helping them tell their own stories.
- Building peer-to-peer advocacy.
This approach builds lasting movements through networks, not just one leader.
3. Start small and grow. You don’t need a program in every state right away. Begin with:
- One school district.
- One shelter partnership.
- One group of trained youth advocates.
Document everything:
- What worked and what didn’t.
- How long it took.
- What resources were needed.
This becomes your model, leading to:
- A facilitator guide.
- A youth training curriculum.
- A toolkit for starting new chapters.
This way, your organization can expand without overwhelming you.
4. Take care of yourself and your team. Working with vulnerable youth can be emotionally challenging. Build support with:
- Trauma-informed therapists.
- Cultural liaisons.
- Social workers.
- Legal advisors.
Ensure your work is ethical and supportive, not just driven by passion.
Would I volunteer for this mission? Absolutely, because it's clear and addresses a real need by focusing on voices that often go unheard.
Would I mentor you? Yes, I'd help you build a strong community around your mission.
Here are some tips for making a lasting impact:
1. Your strength lies in your structure, not your age. You've already identified the problem, which is a big step. To be taken seriously, focus on:
- Building a solid governance structure with a board, youth advisory council, and mentors.
- Starting a pilot project with data you can reference.
- Partnering with organizations that already reach the people you want to help.
- Collaborating with others instead of doing everything alone.
2. What makes your project unique is that it's led by young people and supported by experienced practitioners. Many organizations claim to focus on youth but put adults in charge. Your advantage is:
- Teaching students about rights.
- Helping them tell their own stories.
- Building peer-to-peer advocacy.
This approach builds lasting movements through networks, not just one leader.
3. Start small and grow. You don’t need a program in every state right away. Begin with:
- One school district.
- One shelter partnership.
- One group of trained youth advocates.
Document everything:
- What worked and what didn’t.
- How long it took.
- What resources were needed.
This becomes your model, leading to:
- A facilitator guide.
- A youth training curriculum.
- A toolkit for starting new chapters.
This way, your organization can expand without overwhelming you.
4. Take care of yourself and your team. Working with vulnerable youth can be emotionally challenging. Build support with:
- Trauma-informed therapists.
- Cultural liaisons.
- Social workers.
- Legal advisors.
Ensure your work is ethical and supportive, not just driven by passion.
Would I volunteer for this mission? Absolutely, because it's clear and addresses a real need by focusing on voices that often go unheard.
Would I mentor you? Yes, I'd help you build a strong community around your mission.
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Hi Arpan,
Wow, what a fantastic project you've taken on! As someone who works in healthcare and teaches it, I really appreciate the important topics you're addressing. When I was your age, the information was often outdated and didn't reflect the real world. Now, you're focusing on basic rights and marginalized groups like immigrants, foster children, and minorities. It's great that you're looking into law and human rights as part of your learning. You might want to explore areas like International Relations, Diplomacy, and Justice Studies. Here’s a good starting point: the American Civil Liberties Union.
Remember, learning takes time, so focus on gaining solid knowledge. Many professionals, including myself, would love to help you with their expertise. Human rights lawyers deal with these issues, so think about what career path interests you as you build your nonprofit. Volunteers and investors will follow if you have a clear vision. Start by writing down your core beliefs to guide you when things get tough. Keep pushing forward!
Wow, what a fantastic project you've taken on! As someone who works in healthcare and teaches it, I really appreciate the important topics you're addressing. When I was your age, the information was often outdated and didn't reflect the real world. Now, you're focusing on basic rights and marginalized groups like immigrants, foster children, and minorities. It's great that you're looking into law and human rights as part of your learning. You might want to explore areas like International Relations, Diplomacy, and Justice Studies. Here’s a good starting point: the American Civil Liberties Union.
Remember, learning takes time, so focus on gaining solid knowledge. Many professionals, including myself, would love to help you with their expertise. Human rights lawyers deal with these issues, so think about what career path interests you as you build your nonprofit. Volunteers and investors will follow if you have a clear vision. Start by writing down your core beliefs to guide you when things get tough. Keep pushing forward!
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Kudos to you for all the thought you have put into this very important topic. No matter the outcome, continue to share your ideas on what's right and what's needed for our youth today. You give us all hope for the future!
Kudos to you for taking the time to think about these important issues. You have already taken your first step to success!
To answer your questions:
Does this sound like a mission you’d want to support or volunteer with?
I would want to support it if I were confident you had the resources and support to make it successful. I'd suggest trying to find out if something like this exists anywhere else and find out what worked and didn't work for them. Build a team that will support you before you begin. Starting a nonprofit takes a lot of work. Stay open to spreading your ideas on a small scale if the nonprofit idea doesn't become reality.
What makes a nonprofit like this stand out or succeed long-term?
Because there are so many nonprofits, having a unique and very specific mission will help to stand out. To get others to donate and support your efforts they will want to feel like they are directly contributing to something specific. Especially starting out, perhaps limit your focus to one thing so you can prove your success in that area. That will help you succeed long-term
Any advice on making this idea realistic and scalable?
I think I've covered those points above, but main thing is don't give up! Celebrate your small successes when you see one person acknowledge your idea or take a step in your direction.
With Every Good Wish and Many Blessings!
Kudos to you for taking the time to think about these important issues. You have already taken your first step to success!
To answer your questions:
Does this sound like a mission you’d want to support or volunteer with?
I would want to support it if I were confident you had the resources and support to make it successful. I'd suggest trying to find out if something like this exists anywhere else and find out what worked and didn't work for them. Build a team that will support you before you begin. Starting a nonprofit takes a lot of work. Stay open to spreading your ideas on a small scale if the nonprofit idea doesn't become reality.
What makes a nonprofit like this stand out or succeed long-term?
Because there are so many nonprofits, having a unique and very specific mission will help to stand out. To get others to donate and support your efforts they will want to feel like they are directly contributing to something specific. Especially starting out, perhaps limit your focus to one thing so you can prove your success in that area. That will help you succeed long-term
Any advice on making this idea realistic and scalable?
I think I've covered those points above, but main thing is don't give up! Celebrate your small successes when you see one person acknowledge your idea or take a step in your direction.
With Every Good Wish and Many Blessings!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Arpan,
This idea is really motivating, and it is really worthwhile for you to pursue. You've brought attention to a crucial issue that many groups ignore: teenage human rights literacy. Not only are you increasing awareness, but you are also empowering a generation to protect others and themselves by emphasizing advocacy training, education, and storytelling. It's transforming work.
Focus on three pillars to ensure your organization has a lasting impact:
- Collaboration before expansion: Collaborate early on with established organizations that promote youth empowerment and human rights (such as Teach For All, UNICEF Youth Networks, or Amnesty International). This lets you learn from tried-and-true frameworks, broadens your audience, and increases your credibility.
- Youth-led but adult-supported: Find seasoned mentors with backgrounds in nonprofit management, law, and education who can help your team with sustainability and strategy. Structure can help you maintain your youth-driven vision.
- Scalable storytelling: Document your effect, start locally, and let the stories of the young people you empower to inspire financing and awareness. Virtual advocacy summits, young ambassador initiatives, and social media campaigns can expand your influence internationally without breaking the bank.
Additionally, think about submitting an application for a young social impact grant (such as the UN young Envoy programs, Echoing Green Fellowship, or Diana Award). They give projects like yours publicity and financial support.
Arpan, it's not simply the purpose that makes your idea unique; it's you. You demonstrate leadership beyond your years with your clarity, empathy, and sense of fairness. Continue to improve your model, ask activists and educators for their opinions, and don't be scared to start small. Young changemakers like you are needed in the world, and this idea has the potential to start a genuinely global movement.
Best wishes!
This idea is really motivating, and it is really worthwhile for you to pursue. You've brought attention to a crucial issue that many groups ignore: teenage human rights literacy. Not only are you increasing awareness, but you are also empowering a generation to protect others and themselves by emphasizing advocacy training, education, and storytelling. It's transforming work.
Focus on three pillars to ensure your organization has a lasting impact:
- Collaboration before expansion: Collaborate early on with established organizations that promote youth empowerment and human rights (such as Teach For All, UNICEF Youth Networks, or Amnesty International). This lets you learn from tried-and-true frameworks, broadens your audience, and increases your credibility.
- Youth-led but adult-supported: Find seasoned mentors with backgrounds in nonprofit management, law, and education who can help your team with sustainability and strategy. Structure can help you maintain your youth-driven vision.
- Scalable storytelling: Document your effect, start locally, and let the stories of the young people you empower to inspire financing and awareness. Virtual advocacy summits, young ambassador initiatives, and social media campaigns can expand your influence internationally without breaking the bank.
Additionally, think about submitting an application for a young social impact grant (such as the UN young Envoy programs, Echoing Green Fellowship, or Diana Award). They give projects like yours publicity and financial support.
Arpan, it's not simply the purpose that makes your idea unique; it's you. You demonstrate leadership beyond your years with your clarity, empathy, and sense of fairness. Continue to improve your model, ask activists and educators for their opinions, and don't be scared to start small. Young changemakers like you are needed in the world, and this idea has the potential to start a genuinely global movement.
Best wishes!
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Arpan,
Your plan sounds great! Here are some steps to keep in mind:
1. Define your ultimate goals for the youth initiative.
2. Use media outlets to promote your nonprofit.
3. Build a reliable support team to help with program development and leadership.
4. Create partnerships within the community.
5. Register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit as you expand to other states.
6. Think about fundraising strategies.
Good luck!
Your plan sounds great! Here are some steps to keep in mind:
1. Define your ultimate goals for the youth initiative.
2. Use media outlets to promote your nonprofit.
3. Build a reliable support team to help with program development and leadership.
4. Create partnerships within the community.
5. Register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit as you expand to other states.
6. Think about fundraising strategies.
Good luck!
Updated
Dr Lucas’s Answer
Wow, what you're doing is amazing, especially for someone who's just 17. Your clear vision, understanding of the system's gaps, and focus on helping specific groups show great insight and empathy. Thank you for taking on this challenge.
To answer your questions:
1. Would I support this mission? Absolutely, and here's why:
- You're addressing a real issue. While STEM is important, civics and human rights education are often overlooked. This leaves people technically skilled but unaware of how to advocate for themselves or others. Your focus on vulnerable groups like immigrants, foster youth, and minorities is crucial.
- "Nothing About Us, Without Us" is your key strength. Letting young people tell their own stories instead of being spoken for is a modern, ethical approach that empowers them and avoids victim narratives.
- Your holistic approach is impressive. You're not just providing information; you're connecting education with storytelling, advocacy training, and resources like legal aid and mental health support. This makes your model effective and sustainable.
2. What makes a nonprofit like this succeed long-term?
- Youth Leadership, Adult Mentorship: Your youth-led model is a big advantage. To keep it strong, create a Youth Advisory Board with real power and pair it with a Board of Directors that includes experienced adults who can offer guidance and stability.
- Create a "Program in a Box": Develop standardized, high-quality materials that other youth can use to deliver your programs. This allows for quality control and scaling.
- Measure Your Impact: Collect data on your achievements, like the number of youth trained or policy changes advocated for. Use these outcomes in fundraising and marketing to attract ongoing support.
- Build Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, youth organizations, legal aid societies, and mental health organizations to enhance your reach and effectiveness.
3. How can you make this idea realistic and scalable?
Start smart and build a strong foundation.
Phase 1: Foundation & Pilot (First 6-12 Months)
- Start Local: Begin in your high school or a local community center. Prove your model works in one place.
- Develop Your Core "MVP" (Minimum Viable Product): This could be a single workshop like "Knowing Your Rights in School." Test, refine, and get feedback.
- Handle Legalities Simply: Consider fiscal sponsorship instead of immediately becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This allows you to accept donations right away. Look into insurance with the help of your fiscal sponsor or mentors.
- Build Your Digital Presence: Create a simple website and focus on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for outreach.
Phase 2: Scaling & Growth (Year 2 and Beyond)
- The "Chapter" Model: Once your pilot program is refined, guide other youth to start chapters in their areas. This helps your movement grow organically.
- Use Technology: Utilize free tools like Google Workspace for collaboration and create a password-protected area on your website for resources.
- Diversify Funding: Don’t rely on one source. Look into grants, crowdfunding, and local business sponsorships.
Final Encouragement:
You are showing true leadership by not just talking about problems but building solutions. Your passion is inspiring, and your plan is solid. Remember, perfection isn't necessary for progress. Your first efforts might not be perfect, but starting, listening, and adapting are what matter most.
You have an incredible journey ahead, and we’re here to support you as you reach new milestones and face challenges. Keep going!
To answer your questions:
1. Would I support this mission? Absolutely, and here's why:
- You're addressing a real issue. While STEM is important, civics and human rights education are often overlooked. This leaves people technically skilled but unaware of how to advocate for themselves or others. Your focus on vulnerable groups like immigrants, foster youth, and minorities is crucial.
- "Nothing About Us, Without Us" is your key strength. Letting young people tell their own stories instead of being spoken for is a modern, ethical approach that empowers them and avoids victim narratives.
- Your holistic approach is impressive. You're not just providing information; you're connecting education with storytelling, advocacy training, and resources like legal aid and mental health support. This makes your model effective and sustainable.
2. What makes a nonprofit like this succeed long-term?
- Youth Leadership, Adult Mentorship: Your youth-led model is a big advantage. To keep it strong, create a Youth Advisory Board with real power and pair it with a Board of Directors that includes experienced adults who can offer guidance and stability.
- Create a "Program in a Box": Develop standardized, high-quality materials that other youth can use to deliver your programs. This allows for quality control and scaling.
- Measure Your Impact: Collect data on your achievements, like the number of youth trained or policy changes advocated for. Use these outcomes in fundraising and marketing to attract ongoing support.
- Build Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, youth organizations, legal aid societies, and mental health organizations to enhance your reach and effectiveness.
3. How can you make this idea realistic and scalable?
Start smart and build a strong foundation.
Phase 1: Foundation & Pilot (First 6-12 Months)
- Start Local: Begin in your high school or a local community center. Prove your model works in one place.
- Develop Your Core "MVP" (Minimum Viable Product): This could be a single workshop like "Knowing Your Rights in School." Test, refine, and get feedback.
- Handle Legalities Simply: Consider fiscal sponsorship instead of immediately becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This allows you to accept donations right away. Look into insurance with the help of your fiscal sponsor or mentors.
- Build Your Digital Presence: Create a simple website and focus on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for outreach.
Phase 2: Scaling & Growth (Year 2 and Beyond)
- The "Chapter" Model: Once your pilot program is refined, guide other youth to start chapters in their areas. This helps your movement grow organically.
- Use Technology: Utilize free tools like Google Workspace for collaboration and create a password-protected area on your website for resources.
- Diversify Funding: Don’t rely on one source. Look into grants, crowdfunding, and local business sponsorships.
Final Encouragement:
You are showing true leadership by not just talking about problems but building solutions. Your passion is inspiring, and your plan is solid. Remember, perfection isn't necessary for progress. Your first efforts might not be perfect, but starting, listening, and adapting are what matter most.
You have an incredible journey ahead, and we’re here to support you as you reach new milestones and face challenges. Keep going!
Gustavo Asman
I work as Creative Director at a strategy and communications firm that works with nonprofits
11
Answers
Updated
Gustavo’s Answer
I like most of the advice given by others, all I want to say is I am impressed and humbled, and I think (and feel) what you are embarking on is big and awesome. It won't be easy (I work with nonprofits) but I wish you all the best. Amazing initiative and idea, best of luck and hats off to you.