FYI recognizes the severity of needs of the large number of marginalized and youth at risk in the communities we serve. As such, FYI is committed to provide relevant services that are initiated and managed by local youth in the immediate community. Civic engagement, critical analysis, leadership, youth empowerment, skill building and community building are encouraged and incorporated in all community development work. In full recognition of the barriers to full and equitable participation faced by youth FYI strives to create opportunities that involve youth in community program planning, development, decision- making and implementation.