BALTIMORE YOUTH MASTER PLAN: STAGE A BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
Stage A marked the public launch of Baltimore’s first comprehensive, community-driven Youth Master Plan (YMP). Rooted in decades of youth leadership and grassroots advocacy, the YMP builds on BCYF’s voter-mandated commitment to invest in community-driven solutions. Its purpose is not simply to produce a document, but to shift power — ensuring young people shape priorities, influence investments, and help hold the city accountable.
Rather than beginning with policy drafting, Stage A focused on building the relational and structural foundation for authentic, intergenerational planning. The work was organized across five core areas:
Building the People Power
Stage A activated an intergenerational leadership base through the launch of the Street Team and the Builder Network. A public info session trained youth and adult allies in organizing principles and introduced the paid facilitation cohort model. Over 60 early adopters joined the Builder Network, signaling strong ecosystem readiness and momentum.
Strengthening Shared Practice Through the Learning Lab
A monthly Youth Master Plan workshop series, led by facilitators from the New Orleans Youth Alliance, built shared practice in youth-centered engagement. Major engagement moments included:
- Maryland Nonprofits Conference (50 BCYF participants)
96% satisfaction; 100% reported meaningful connections. - BoardLight Info Session
100% “very satisfied”; strong governance and equity alignment. - Roots & Reach Preconference (53 participants)
Produced co-created frameworks on intergenerational leadership and youth athletics.
The Learning Lab strengthened facilitation capacity, governance literacy, and relational trust across the ecosystem.
Creating a Shared Toolkit and Narrative
Stage A established foundational branding and messaging guidance for the YMP, clarifying its North Star, narrative pillars, and shared language. Early visual assets and communications tools supported outreach, alignment, and community accessibility.
Documenting Progress in a New Way
The publication of The Gathering 2025 — Roots & Reach graphic novel documented key insights from Stage A. Themes included shared power, trust as infrastructure, strength-based framing, and the call for structural youth leadership. The novel serves as both cultural artifact and accountability tool.
Creating Transparent Public Checkpoints
Public-facing Exchange Sessions and The Gathering 2025 provided transparent checkpoints for participation and feedback. The Gathering formally launched the YMP, reinforced ecosystem alignment, and elevated youth leadership as central to systems change.
Stage A Deliverables Completed
- Intergenerational Street Team recruitment model established
- 60+ Builder Network members activated
- Monthly learning cohort delivered
- Intergenerational leadership framework drafted
- Youth athletics framework drafted
- Messaging and brand pillars clarified
- Graphic novel published
- Public engagement checkpoints completed
Transition to Stage B
Stage B will shift from activation to deep listening and codification. Priorities include:
- Citywide youth listening campaign
- Formal launch of Action Tables
- Governance model clarification
- Data and evaluation framework development
- Drafting measurable goals and implementation roadmap
Stage A built the people, the practice, and the narrative. Stage B will be a time for listening.
Read learning reports below:
