Next Up

Mission

Every major social movement in history has been driven by young people boldly leading the way. 

Young people have the right to make our voices heard on critical issues, including climate justice, bodily autonomy, and democratic rights. That's why Next Up dismantles systemic barriers to civic engagement, and gives young people the tools to grow their leadership and build power through youth organizing.  

Through organizing with Next Up, youth develop critical thinking skills, build relationships, and learn how to effectively advocate for themselves and their peers – powering up transformative movements for social change.

Bottom Line for Portland

Our programs are a catalyst for young people as leaders: we offer numerous paid internships and cohort programs for youth to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of civic engagement and grassroots organizing, including youth voter registration, hosting events, and getting out the vote (contributing to Oregon's place in the top 5 states for youth voter turnout).
 

Since 2019 more than 1,200 young people in the Portland Metro area have graduated from our youth leadership cohorts. 

Alumni have gone on to:
• provide testimony to Portland City Council and the Oregon Legislature on issues ranging from ranked choice voting to redistricting
• join government commissions and nonprofit boards (including our own)
• organize and win Portland Charter Change in 2022
• lead the state as values-aligned advocates, leaders, and elected officials

and so much more.

Quote

 “Not only did I learn about the basics as a community organizer [with Next Up], but I also was exposed to so many great opportunities! This basic understanding led me to join other grassroots organizations around my area advocating for different policies such as climate resilience and immigration rights." 

— Aishiki Nag, youth advocate and member of Next Up’s Youth Action Team

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our work centers and prioritizes the needs and leadership of Black, Indigenous, youth of color, disabled youth, low-income youth, immigrant youth, queer and trans youth, youth survivors, and youth at the intersections. Our approach includes developing our curricula with an anti-oppression and intersectional lens, and partnering with values-aligned organizations working towards social, racial, gender, and economic justice.

Incentives

• Your support is an investment in youth leadership and organizing, centering the most impacted young people, to build a more equitable and just Oregon. In 2025, we're scaling up our internship programs and creating even more opportunities for young people to get involved while launching our Youth Power Agenda.
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• ALSO:
• ✅Donors 1- 10 get a copy of Skipping Stones multicultural literary magazine
• 🍕Donors 15-20 will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to Atlas Pizza!
• 🎁Our 10th Donor over $50 will receive a wine & shopping party with designer Erica Lurie at Garnish and a $100 gift card.

Partner(s)

Skipping Stones multicultural literary magazine is a timely and timeless, award-winning resource in multicultural and global education.

Atlas Pizza is East Coast inspired, Portland made traditional & vegan pies, garlic knots and cold drinks.

Garnish apparel is a clothing brand an boutique designed and made in Portland, offering timeless and sustainable fashion and accessories.