A youth-led initiative that empowered local youth to capture the work of all resources that directly serve youth in New Orleans. Youth began mapping in early 2009 in Central City and continued with the mapping of New Orleans complete in Fall 2010. The New Orleans Youth Map is now updated regularly by youth and mapped resources. Community based organizations are also able to register their programs by visiting the site nolayouthmap.org. We are partnering with iMapAmerica to maintain this valuable and interactive resource.
The mapping experience provides young people training in transferable work skills, including interviewing, public speaking and computer technologies. Youth practice these skills while canvassing their communities, block by block, collecting information about youth resources. This process provides both information about the needs and resources available to youth.