Chicago Youth United (CYU) is a coalition of the Blocks Together Youth Council (on the northwest side) and the Brighton Park Youth Council (on the southwest side). Youth leaders from these 2 communities have come together to work on common issues, including safety, youth alternatives, and school improvements. Working together, the youth won an agreement from Eller Media, which owns thousands of billboards in Chicago, to display youth-designed anti-drug billboards. These billboards, which were displayed in spring and summer 2001, promoted a positive image of youth and advertised CYU's work.

CYU is now working to get better training and funding for school security guards. They have been meeting with CPS CEO Arne Duncan to create an on-going dialogue on the subject and to ensure youth have a voice in their safety at school. CYU has formed temporary partnerships with other organizations in the city as well.

CYU is looking for support on these campaigns, and welcomes direct action, youth-led groups to get involved. For more information about CYU, or to get involved in CYU's campaigns, please contact btogether@aol.com.