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We are a Chicago, south-suburb based 
youth group focused 
on building a better world.

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Mission Statement

You Matter 2 provides South Suburban youth with opportunities to develop as leaders through exposure to new experiences, building connections, and engage communities through service and highlighting cultural heritage.

Vision

Our vision is to empower youth to be confident contributors who transform the communities where they live and learn​

Values

• Service - We create opportunities for youth to think about the needs of others and ways to take action.
  
• Leadership - We empower youth to make decisions and encourage them to use their voice, talents, and passion to make a difference.
  
• Cultural Awareness - We believe in the ongoing learning of all cultural backgrounds, to be understanding of all historical and present experiences, and to showcase our uniqueness. 
  
• Inclusion - We honor and respect differences and abilities in those with whom we work, play, and partner.
  
• Collaboration - We listen, help, support, and learn together for a collective goal.
  
• Community - We nurture connections that lead to sustainable and impactful change.
  

Our Story

You Matter 2 Inc. was founded in October 2014 by Destiny Watson. the organization first started as an Instagram page in 2013 created to uplift and inspire teens, since then we have evolved to much more. You Matter 2 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires and empowers youth to be world changers. You Matter 2 strives to dynamically empower emerging youth leaders to create a generation of change. our organization consists of 7th-12th grade students from the south suburban area who believe in changing the world. This group is dedicated to changing the world and giving back to their communities.  

Members of our organization spend their time volunteering, raising awareness for local and global issues, and hosting community events.  Our organization focuses on youth empowerment, hunger, education, literacy, access to clean water, and more. You Matter 2 has been recognized by the Chicago Tribune, Windy City Live, HF Chronicle, 107.5 WGCI, and ABC7 Chicago.

You Matter 2 has helped children and families locally and globally, empowering them to envision a better future for themselves. You Matter 2 recognizes the world as their neighbors, and their family as more than the people under their roof. 

​Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion statement

You Matter 2 is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, and members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or other biases. We’re committed to being non-discriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work. We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our organization and strive to listen to all views and give them value. We’re committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity and maintaining fair and equal treatment for all.

YM2 members attend We Day Illinois 2015. These members have to earn their way every year by committing to one local and global action. we day is a celebration of youth making a difference in their local and global communities.