Youth receive first-hand experience working in an office setting and often work on youth-driven advocacy campaigns, such as the Disability History Week Campaign and Taking Action for Accommodations. The YO! Volunteer Corps create connections for youth with adults with disabilities, as well as other youth volunteers. YO! Volunteer Corps members earn a stipend every month.

Meet a YO! Volunteer…

Alise Smith was born with a rare birth defect called Distal Arthrogryposis which restricts movement in her joints. She was raised in Hayward, California where she sought to go far and beyond her abilities by exceeding in education, volunteer work, and the Arts. With a strong support system, Alise was able to graduate Magna Cum Laude from California State University, East Bay in psychology, receive awards for her dedication in serving her community, and raise money for different causes by selling her artwork at local fairs. Today she is working on applying for graduate school, and volunteers as a crisis counselor/ mentor for local youth. Alise's personal experience with receiving accommodations as an undergrad inspired her to devote her life in assisting students with various disabilities at a local community college, and to one day serve on the Youth Action Council (YAC) to inspire others to reach their goals in higher education. Alise is excited to be given the opportunity for the next two years to serve on the YAC, and hopes to be an informative resource for youth and a reliable aide to her council members. Last but not least, Alise enjoys the leisure of creating artwork, dancing at local churches, volunteering in her community, listening to old school music, traveling around the world to visit family and friends, and watching movies from the 90s.

Photo of YO! Volunteer Corps member Alise

Youth Advisory Council (YO! YAC) Alise California Foundation for Independent Living Centers – Sacramento, CA


Meet All the Members of YO! YAC…

Thank You to our Funders!

The support of our funders and donors helps keep YO! Disabled & Proud running strong year after year. The more funding we receive, the more youth we can organize in the pursuit of their rights and education. Please Make a Donation, Keep YO! Going Strong…