Youth Nightlife Coalition (YNC)

Program Representative: Zoe Garvin, Executive Director, zoe@cellspace.org

To get involved: e-mail youthevents@cellspace.org

Program Mission: To provide a safe environment for young people in San Francisco to have fun during evening hours, when some of the highest rates of violence in the community occur.

History: The YNC was formed in December 2005 to respond to the high demand and need for nightlife activities for urban youth. For years CELLspace had held events for young people in its 10,000 square foot space and started coordinating the project more regularly in July 2005 after receiving its Place of Entertainment Permit. Over the summer of 2005, we held nine successful events which each brough 400+ "high risk" youth from all over San Francisco. In an effort to make the project a truly collaborative effort, we formed the YNC. Some members include: The DJ Project of Horizons Unlimited, United Playaz, Brothers Against Guns, TURF, and YMAC. To get involved, email youthevents@cellspace.org.

Current Resources: CELLspace recently received a planning grant from the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (through the advocacy of Supervisor Tom Ammianno and the SF Youth Commisison) to develop the coalition so that we can begin having youth dances again. We anticipate that our first dance through the YNC will be in December 2006. We are currently working on getting committed financial support from foundations, local businesses, and corporations. To donate, contact youthevents@cellspace.org.