Driving Change: YSN’s Strategic Plan in Action

In late 2021, Youth Services Network (YSN) adopted a bold strategic plan to guide our work as a statewide network. Today, that plan continues to shape how we pursue equity, impact, and sustainability across Minnesota. Here’s a look at how the six goals of our strategic plan are coming to life:

1. Advocate for Systems Change

We’ve elevated youth homelessness in policy conversations at the Capitol, collaborated on cross-agency initiatives, and convened stakeholders to align priorities and action.

2. Address Equity Within Systems

We’ve centered racial and LGBTQIA+ equity in our advocacy and partnered with organizations that lead from lived experience to inform our strategies and shift outcomes.

3. Amplify Youth Voice

We’re growing youth leadership through compensated opportunities, direct engagement in advisory roles, and youth-led storytelling efforts that influence system design.

4. Drive Best Practices and Coordination

We host learning communities, share toolkits, and support the implementation of evidence-based approaches like housing-first and positive youth development.

5. Ensure Stable Resources

We’re helping our members and the broader system secure public and private funding streams, while also diversifying support for backbone functions.

6. Build a Nimble, Equitable, and Sustainable Organization

With our first paid staff leadership, we’re investing in long-term infrastructure to sustain the network’s critical role.

Every action we take is rooted in our shared belief: systems must work with and for youth if we are to end homelessness for good.