About

The Creating Abundance Collaborative champions the transformative power of creativity in the lives of young people.

Our mission is to act as a catalyst for broad-based support of the Creative Youth Development field's youth-led approach to fostering positive change.

By nurturing learning, relationships, and cross-sector collaboration, we create opportunities for dialogue and discovery. These efforts culminate in increased funding, advocacy, and policies designed to strengthen and expand Creative Youth Development.

Our ultimate goal is to equip young people for thriving futures, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Creative Youth Development (CYD) is a commitment to supporting young people’s stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression and honoring their lived experiences.

Three concepts must be present:
Racial Equity and Social Justice
Youth Voices
Collective Action

Definition of CYD from the Creative Youth Development National Partnership

Core Characteristics of CYD:

  • Direct Services provided to Young People

  • Support for Youth-Led Movement Building 

  • Deep Community Partnerships

  • Strong Internal Equity Orientations

Characteristics are most prevalent in BIPOC-Led Organizations and Multi-Genre Organizations.

Core Characteristics from the Midcasting Towards Just Futures Report

Learn about our journey of forming the Collaborative in these articles:

Impactful Creative Youth Development

Creating Collaborative Pathways for Expanded Support of CYD

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