We are dedicated to defending the freedom, equality, and rights of all young people by challenging age discrimination and prejudice.
The National Youth Rights Association (NYRA) is the nation’s largest organization fighting for the rights of all young people. We were formed in 1998 by a group of young people who wanted to challenge the age-based discrimination they were experiencing. Realizing that ageism is similar to other forms of oppression, they formed NYRA in the hopes that it could emulate other successful civil rights organizations that have pushed us to a more just world.
From those grassroots beginnings, NYRA has inspired tens of thousands of members, developed dozens of Nodes (formerly called Chapters) all over the country, and tacked a variety of issues affecting young people. We have successfully overturned anti-youth laws in several states, supported numerous bills designed to protect and expand the rights of young people, submitted amicus briefs in federal court, and encouraged dozens of businesses to drop their age discriminatory practices. We have challenged the negative stereotypes of young people and demanded that all of us be treated with respect and dignity. Our work has been featured in numerous media outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, CNN, BBC World Service, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post.
NYRA (pronounced NYE-ruh) is 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation registered in the state of Maryland.
