YJAM 2026: Building a Future Where Youth Thrive
Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) serves as an important reminder of the value and power of young people. Held every October, this month-long observance seeks to raise awareness about the unique challenges young people face within the justice system and advocates for fair, effective, and developmentally appropriate responses.
YJAM is a reminder that change happens when youth, advocates, families, and communities work together to demand justice, elevate youth voice, and reimagine a system rooted in healing and opportunity—not punishment.
Our 2026 YJAM theme is Building a Future Where Youth Thrive because we believe that our young people should get to have lives that are rich, full, and include all of the support that they need as they transition to adulthood. This means investing in things like community-building, mentorship, mental health supports, and making sure that all young people have their basic needs met. Policing and incarcerating our young people does not lead to a future where they can thrive, so we are simultaneously fighting against the systems that lock up our youth instead of supporting them even when they make mistakes.
These are our sub-themes for each week of YJAM 2026:
Week 1: Education and empowerment
Week 2: Youth leading the movement
Week 3: Health, hope, and healing justice
Week 4: Strength in community