The Youth Organizing Institute is a popular education leadership development program that is committed to training lifelong organizers. They support organizing and actions that address systems of oppression, and work to develop solutions that challenge existing power relationships. Their work is grounded in an understanding of and commitment to dismantling the systems that prohibit working class people and youth from fully participating in a democratic society. Through their summer education curriculum, campaign/coalition work, and mentorship program, YOI strives to cultivate peer education and movement building. Through their programs, participants learn to step into leadership roles as organizers and facilitators in their their communities. YOI teaches organizing skills, foster coalition-building, facilitate campaign planning and organizational development, and encourage multi-generational models of social change. In 2013, YOI  co-founded the NC Queer Youth Power Coalition, which is now known for their annual event “Queernival: A Southern Celebration of Queer Youth Liberation.”

This organization is supported through the Funding Queerly Giving Circle, which is housed at Astraea.