our history

youth creating a better tomorrow

The beginning of LTC dates back to the summer of 2021, when Lexi and T from the Collaborative for Educational Services held two virtual Youth Leadership Community Conversations. About 20-30 Hampshire County youth attended each community conversation, and they talked about what is needed to support youth leadership and organizing and overall elevate youth power in Hampshire County. From these conversations, a group which is now the Leaders of Today Council (originally called the Youth Leadership Clearinghouse Committee) started meeting every other week to continue the brainstorming and planning with the overall goal of increasing youth leadership in our communities. Since then, the LTC group of about 8-9 members has been working hard to create this LTC website! You can learn a bit more about us by clicking here.

our goals

Goal 1 - To connect local youth with youth leadership and activism opportunities.
Goal 2 - To serve as a resource hub for local youth organizing.
Goal 3 - To uplift and strengthen youth voice and youth power in Hampshire County.

In sociocracy, decision-making is done through a consent-based process. This means that instead of seeking unanimous agreement, we aim to find solutions that everyone can live with. We start by defining the issue at hand and then gather input from all members of the group. We then work towards a proposal that meets everyone's needs and concerns. If there are any objections, we work to address them until we reach a proposal that everyone can consent to. This process ensures that everyone's voice is heard and that decisions are made with the best interests of the group in mind.

our process

Meet the LTC

Lexi is one of the founding members of the LTC. She works at the Collaborative for Educational Services as the Policy, Youth, and School Coordinator. Lexi lives in Northampton, loves roller skating, making art, and spoiling her cat, Lucifer.

Hi, my name is Kanyinsola Okuwobi. I live in Belchertown and currently attend Belchertown High School . I’ve been a part of the LTC since 9th grade. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite food is pasta. I enjoy biking, reading, and going out with friends.

Lexi

Kanyin

Hi! My name is Quinn and I have been a member of LTC since the beginning (October 2021) and have enjoyed the journey of it all. I am from Belchertown and currently go to high school at PVCICS in Hadley. I enjoy the simple things in life and am involved in so many things, from theater club to Governor Healey's Youth Advisory Board. I'm very passionate about everything I do and am so excited to be sharing this website with you!

Hi! My name is Louisa. I have been part of the amazing LTC since October 2021 when we first began meeting. I am from Northampton but currently go to the University of Rhode Island. Fun fact is that I am a vegetarian!

Louisa

Hi, my name is Beatriz! I have been a member of the LTC since October 2021. I am from Amherst, MA and I'm graduating from Amherst Regional High School in 2024. In my free time I like to travel, read, and watch TV.

Hi! As a passionate reader, animal aficionado, and lover of the great outdoors, I take pleasure in immersing myself in books, napping, spending quality time with my pets, motorcycles and embarking on exciting outdoor adventures. My aim is to secure a gratifying career that enables me to leverage my distinctive interests and abilities.

Beatriz

EJ

T Sogoba is a non-binary, Black Muslim from Boston, MA and a first generation Malian- American. T is passionate about creating and supporting space to be authentically “Blackity Black” and unapologetic about their identities. They spend time managing their cats’ instagram, sneaking new plants into their apartment, and working on interior design projects for their friends. Pre-Covid you could find them at brunch, on picnics, and traveling.