East Side Aligned

06/01/2026

We are grateful for the chance to join community members, leaders, and advocates in supporting and uplifting the next generation. 🤩

05/28/2026

✨Quick recap of our amazing 10th Youth Development Alliance Summit! ✨

Thank you to everyone who came out! Today was full of growth, collaboration, and youth empowerment 😎✨

More pictures to come soon!

Don’t miss what’s next, follow us on Instagram ESA () & YDA () for more content, events, and opportunities 🌟

05/28/2026

Great way to start the summit! 🤩

05/21/2026

There is less than 2 weeks until the end of Illinois' spring legislative session! The time is NOW to contact your state elected officials and urge them to increase funding for afterschool and community schools in Illinois!

Take action today at https://igniteadvocacy.com/go/2026-ost-for-all-email-your-legislators/1039

05/19/2026

📣 Today at 9:00 AM 📣
Let your voice be heard.
Advocate for afterschool programs.
Details below 👇

📣 Join Us for a Virtual Hour of Action & Advocacy!

On May 19th at 9:00 AM, we’re coming together to make our voices heard during the final weeks of the Illinois spring legislative session - and everyone is invited. Community members, parents, staff, students, and supporters alike - this is your moment to show up and speak out.

You’ll leave feeling energized, motivated, and ready to keep fighting for OST for All. Let’s rally together and make an impact! 💪

Register at https://actnowillinois-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/xChZzecDSxe2-uSEhT2oKQ

05/18/2026

Don’t miss this incredible event! 🤩 Looking forward to a day filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversations centered on helping young people truly thrive 🌟

Level up your impact with young people this year! 🌟 Join the East St. Louis Youth Development Alliance for the 10th Annual Youth Development Summit – “Together We Thrive: A Decade of Investing in YOUth.”

📅 Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 am – Doors Open | 9:00 am – Summit Kickoff

🔥 Special Fireside Chat (before the opening speaker):
Join Leaving Our Voices Everywhere for a powerful morning conversation on the importance of shifting from “youth development” to “youth thriving.” This dialogue will ignite the day as we reimagine how we support young people to not just grow, but truly thrive.

🎤 Opening Speaker: Marcy Peake, MA, LPC, NCC, CFLE
“Trauma-informed care” is more than a buzzword—it requires skill, self-awareness, and cultural agility so that good intentions do not cause more harm. In this opening session, you’ll learn how to see behavior through a trauma-aware, culturally responsive lens and explore proactive strategies that truly meet young people where they are.

✨ At this milestone summit, you’ll:

👉Gain tools and insights to create meaningful change in young people’s lives 💡

👉 Dive into expert-led sessions on program excellence, executive leadership, youth engagement strategies, and creating positive learning environments 📚

👉Connect and collaborate with fellow youth development professionals and build lasting partnerships that strengthen our community 🤝

🔗 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/YDSummit2026 ✅

We’re excited to celebrate a decade of impact with you — whether you’ve been championing youth for years or are just getting started! 🎉

05/13/2026

We are grateful for the advocates traveling to Springfield to champion early childhood!

Just made it to Springfield for Early Childhood Advocacy Day! Excited to join other advocates from throughout the state to champion our youngest children, their families, and the amazing adults who serve them.

05/12/2026

Make sure to follow East St. Louis Youth Development Alliance for the latest updates, news, and upcoming announcements.

✨ Honoring a legacy. Empowering our future. ✨

Join us for the Diane Sonneman Champion for Kids Celebration as we recognize champions making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families across our community. 💜🧡

📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Grand Marais Lighthouse | Cahokia Heights, IL

Together, we can build brighter tomorrows for the next generation. We would love to celebrate with you and continue strengthening support for youth in our community.

📩 RSVP by May 20th: [email protected]

📲 Make sure to follow YDA for the latest updates, news, and upcoming announcements.

05/08/2026

The people who pour into our youth every day deserve their flowers too. 🌟 Some heroes don’t wear capes they show up for kids every afternoon. ❤️👏 Nominate a Champion for Kids today. 🏅

The Diane Sonneman Champion for Kids Award honors the life and legacy of an incredible leader in East St. Louis. For nearly 50 years, Diane has supported the readiness and well-being of children and youth as a teacher, principal, program director, grandmother, godmother, and more. During her time at...