Connecticut Chapter (The Frederick Gunn School)

Nestled in Washington, CT, The Frederick Gunn School chapter, stands as the inaugural embodiment of our movement. Serving as the cornerstone, the FGS chapter proudly collaborates with clubs and affinity groups within the Gunn community while forging impactful partnerships with external public organizations. Its unwavering commitment to fostering unity, empowerment, and inclusivity fuels innovative initiatives and collaborative efforts. Through seamless integration with diverse clubs, affinity groups, and external organizations, FGS chapter creates a dynamic platform for students to engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and collectively pursue common goals. In a world marked by political polarization, ethnic conflicts, trade disputes, and pivotal elections, its mission is to equip students with the skills and open-mindedness necessary to navigate and contribute positively to a spectrum of diverse perspectives.

Massachusetts Chapter (Berkshire School)

The Youth Commons Berkshire Chapter is the second chapter of Youth Commons established at Berkshire School at the beginning of 2024. Its goals directly align with the Frederick Gunn chapter in that they also promote unity through teamwork, perseverance, and active communication. They plan to address the political polarization, specifically within Berkshire’s community by teaching members the importance of compromise and diligence. With the continued rise in global conflicts such as ethnic wars, trade disputes, and governmental elections, it is even more crucial that students become open-minded and receptive to diverse perspectives.

Vermont Chapter (Burr&Burton Academy)

The Vermont State Chapter of Youth Commons is dedicated to enhancing youth civic engagement by educating high school students about both state and federal government structures. Our mission is to empower Vermont’s young citizens with a thorough understanding of governmental processes and their role within them. By focusing on the intricacies of state and national politics, we aim to foster informed and active participation in civic life. Given the rise in political tension across the country, it is crucial that students understand how their government operates.

California Chapter (Sage Hill School)  

The Sage Hill Chapter of Youth Commons is currently engaged in a comprehensive research initiative on gun control and violence, prompted by a recent surge in shootings within Orange County's shopping centers and neighborhoods. These incidents have raised significant concerns among the community, as Orange County is traditionally perceived as a "safe" region where gun violence is not typically anticipated. Our team will critically examine "red flag" laws, alongside the perspectives of the NRA and anti-gun advocacy groups, to analyze divergent positions on gun control. Subsequently, we will conduct a comparative analysis of existing federal and local firearm regulations, utilizing statistical methods to assess their effectiveness. Based on our findings, we aim to propose evidence-based policy recommendations that can effectively reduce the frequency of gun violence.

Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy

As a vital partner of Youth Commons, the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy (CJD) at The Frederick Gunn School brings a strong commitment to fostering moral and civic engagement among students. Grounded in founder Frederick Gunn’s vision, CJD emphasizes the importance of ethical formation as a core component of education, creating a unique environment that supports students’ growth as morally aware and active citizens. Through CJD's Citizenship Curriculum, students are guided to embrace civic responsibility and engage thoughtfully with pressing social issues. With support from a $100,000 matching grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation, CJD has expanded professional development for faculty in ethics, leadership, and civic engagement, enriching both classroom and co-curricular experiences. This partnership strengthens Youth Commons’ mission to develop informed and ethically grounded leaders prepared to impact their communities and the wider world.