Since 1994, YouthCO has been a unique space for youth-driven, anti-oppressive, sex-positive, and innovative programs, conversations, and support. Today, YouthCO announced a winding down of the organization by March 31, 2026. This is an immense loss in our communities. Youth leadership is irreplaceable.
To YouthCO, Yúusnewas, Mycelium, and the youth who have brought this organization to life over many years: thank you for your 30+ years of youth leadership, anti-oppression, sex-positivity, innovation, creating community, and building leaders. in the HIV and Hep C movement. Your lessons, impact, and opportunities for youth leadership will continue. You will be missed.
To the youth, children, and families saying goodbye to YouthCO: we know saying goodbye is hard, and it will never be the same at an adult-led organization. We will hold space for this grief as we welcome you with open arms, and create youth spaces and youth leadership here at RIbbon.
The profound impact of YouthCO will continue with the communities built by youth leadership, and the generations of volunteers, staff, young leaders, participants in the programs, learners in and out of classrooms who learned with and from YouthCO.
Some of YouthCO’s current programs by-and-for youth living with HIV will transition to Ribbon Community over the coming weeks. Peer support by-and-for youth is already in place, and Camp Moomba and positive youth programs will come in time. To connect with youth living with HIV at Ribbon, call or text us at 236-688-6428.
Over the coming weeks, we are working closely with YouthCO and our funders to ensure peer support, community programs, and Camp Moomba continue. Although it will not be the same at an adult-led organization, we will ensure leadership opportunities for youth as these programs transition to Ribbon.
With love and care,
Ribbon Community
