We are the Association of Young Americans (AYA).
We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization advocating at the federal level on behalf of young people. We work to advance the policies and legislation that benefit our generation.
Our Issues
Student Debt
44 million Americans are drowning in $1.6 trillion in student loan debt. Student debt is has exacerbated inequalities and held our generation back from buying homes, starting families, and pursuing dreams.
Climate Change
We are facing a climate emergency, and young people are especially vulnerable. From extreme weather to rising sea levels and dwindling resources, our generation will face the worst effects of our warming planet.
Healthcare
The U.S. is the only industrialized nation without universal healthcare. Young Americans lack access to quality, affordable, inclusive care, often turning to crowd-funding to cover basic medical expenses.
Our generation deserves a seat at the table.
AYA advocates on Capitol Hill on behalf of our 23,000 members by elevating their voices, holding elected officials accountable, and using the inner workings of the political process to improve the system.
Action Reports
Stay up to date on what we’re up to on the Hill
Week of July 25-29
This week's events: Inflation Reduction Act, Future Forum Youth Congress.
- Policy efforts:
- Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: The Senate came to a deal on a reconciliation bill this week: the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The bill's framework includes the largest investment in climate in history, with $369 billion for climate and clean energy programs, but includes a significant compromise that requires DOI to reinstate oil and gas leasing. AYA released this statement and joined a letter calling on Biden and Schumer to hold the line on the fossil fuel provision.
- Events:
- Youth Congress: Future Forum Caucus held their annual Youth Congress on Capitol Hill this week which includes simulated committee meetings, hearings, debates, news events, etc. so young people can learn the interworkings of the legislative process. We were invited to attend along with our coalition partners in YouthInGov for a panel on the importance of including young people in government.
Turn your politics into policy.
Join tens of thousands of young people fighting for change on the issues that matter.