North America

WYA High School and University Chapters

Chapters are driven by the initiatives of young people who put their passion for human dignity into action. As a result, members are empowered to participate directly in our work.

What does a Chapter do?

  • Promotes the dignity of the human person through advocacy work, expressions of solidarity, training and cultural events.
  • Unites members from North America with young people from all over the world around a common defense of human dignity, freedom, and the family.
  • Mobilizes members to connect the ideas of WYA with practical action at local and international levels.  

What are the benefits to starting a Chapter?

  • Engage in WYA’s global advocacy strategy in solidarity with a coalition of over 1 million members.
  • Opportunities to initiate grassroots efforts on a local level to promote the dignity of the human person.
  • Eligibility for participation in:
    • WYA International Summer Camp
    • Commissions at the United Nations in New York City
    • Conferences around the world
    • Internships at the WYA Headquarters in New York City and our offices in Mexico City, Brussels, Nairobi and Manila

What are possible Chapter activities?


Project: Heroes of Human Dignity
The World Youth Alliance currently recognizes members from around the world who publicly act as champions for the dignity of the human person on a daily basis. Chapters will have the opportunity to focus on a particular issue that is threatening human dignity at the international level by highlighting a “hero” who is demonstrating outstanding leadership in action. Chapters can recognize these global leaders through coordinated online discussions with members from other regions, by raising awareness in their local communities about the related advocacy issue, and by writing letters to our heroes as an expression of solidarity and source of encouragement.

Project: Cultural Expressions of Dignity
Beauty is one of the greatest vehicles through which to communicate the dignity of the human person. For this reason, Chapters are encouraged to have regular cultural events. For suggestions on possible project themes, see our list of suggested books and films that highlight the importance of the expression of human dignity through culture.

Project: “Join the Party!” Membership Drive
By organizing a membership drive, Chapters can invite more young people to “join the party” and become a member in this global coalition. Every year, on March 25th, the WYA celebrates its birthday. Chapters across the region can organize a membership drive on or around that date to encourage others to sign the WYA Charter. The Chapter in North America with the most newly gained members in conjunction with the annual membership campaign will be featured on the website and their project presented at the International Solidarity Forum in New York City.

Project: Track A Training Discussion
Curriculum outlines and discussion topics are available for Chapters to read and discuss the fundamental ideas behind WYA’s mission and how these ideas relate to freedom, solidarity, culture and the history of international movements. Chapter members who wish to lead these discussions must first complete the Certified Training Program and receive the original Track A curriculum. If you are interested in receiving this training, please contact northamerica@wya.net.

Start a Chapter today!

Chapters run on the creativity and initiative of young leaders in conjunction with a sponsoring faculty member or administrator from the school. Chapters can be organized within an existing club, group, or organization and can also begin as a new entity within a school or university. Each Chapter must have a faculty advisor who communicates directly with the North American Director.

If you are interested in starting a Chapter, please contact Amanda Pirih at Amanda@wya.net.