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National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) Launches 'Freedom to Move' Youth Movement for Transportation Equity at National Convening in Denver
Thousands of Youth From Across the Nation to Mobilize Through Action Network to Lead Safer, More Equitable Transportation Initiatives

Denver, CO (October 9, 2024) – The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) announced the launch of the Freedom to Move, a first-of-its-kind youth-led movement aimed at transforming America’s transportation system. This movement was unveiled during the second annual National Youth Transportation Equity Convening (NYTEC), which took place September 20-21, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. 

The convening in Colorado brought together thousands of young leaders, transportation experts, federal, state and city officials and community members to discuss actionable steps toward creating safer, more sustainable, and equitable streets across the nation.

Freedom to Move is designed to harness the energy and innovation of marginalized youth by leveraging digital tools and resources that empower young people to advocate for transportation justice. By connecting digitally through Action Network, youth can access educational resources, collaborate on projects, and push for systemic change in their local communities.

“Our organization was originally founded to tackle youth traffic safety, but over time, we’ve recognized the need to center youth voices and their lived experiences in broader discussions on transportation equity,” said Jacob Smith, Executive Director of NOYS. “The Freedom to Move Movement allows us to shift the narrative and equip  young people to lead these critical conversations and drive the change needed to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.”

NOYS efforts will use a popular digital organizing platform, Action Network, to provide digital tools for creating easy-access opportunities for young people to engage in the movement. In addition to continuously evolving its organization’s presence, NOYS has made a strategic headquartered shift to Denver, Colorado—prioritizing hyperlocal impact efforts led by young people. The organization has made a commitment to ensuring young people are at the forefront of shifting the narrative from traditional victim-blaming.

“This is a powerful moment for youth across the nation,” said Fatima Elkott, NOYS National Youth Power Building Strategist and co-founder of Conscious Community Connectors. “With Freedom to Move, young people are not just participants in the conversation—they’re leading it. We’re leveraging NOYS’ resources to ensure young voices are at the forefront of transforming our transportation systems, rather than being passive beneficiaries of change.”

“Public transportation should be a space that infuses art, fun, and joy into our daily lives. It’s more than just moving from point A to point B – it’s a place where community happens. Public transit should create a sense of belonging, seamlessly weaving into the rhythm of our day-to-day lives. We have a long way to go to achieve this vision. But it is possible, and The Freedom to Move initiative empowers youth to bring this one step closer to reality,” said Haleema Bharoocha, MPP, Social Impact and Transportation Policy Consultant The Freedom to Move Movement will prioritize educating young leaders about the systems and structures that perpetuate transportation inequities. By building trust, capacity, and collaboration with key partners, NOYS aims to create sustainable models for youth engagement and systems change over the coming years.

By joining the Freedom to Move Movement, people will have access to educational resources, monthly youth-powered trainings and sessions, paid hyperlocal intervention support, and a national network of young people passionate about building a safe, sustainable and equitable transportation system.

For more information on the Freedom to Move Movement, visit www.noys.org/freedomtomove. 

About National Organizations for Youth Safety Originally founded by the U.S. Department of Transportation as the Youth Traffic Safety Collaborative in 1995, NOYS is a national youth-powered nonprofit organization equipping  marginalized youth to lead in addressing transportation equity and mobility justice in their communities. Learn more at https://www.noys.org/.

Freedom to Move Movement, Powered by NOYS
The National Organization for Youth Safety is organizing thousands of marginalized youth across the country to lead in transforming today's U.S. transportation system to be safe, sustainable and equitable for today and future generations. The Freedom to Move Movement is designed to harness youth energy and innovation, leveraging digital tools and resources to ensure you(th) are meaningfully positioned to call for transportation equity and justice. Learn more at https://www.noys.org/FreedomtoMove. 

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