Young Volunteers Association

http://www.youngvolunteersassociation.org/
Young Volunteers Association (YVA) is a rare example of a youth organisation established by disadvantaged youth, in 2004. The headquarters of the organisation is located in Ayazaga, a squatter neighbourhood in Sisli, one of the most prestigious municipalities of Istanbul. The neighbourhood is surrounded by middle- and high-class residential communities and is adjacent to a forested area and a small private university campus.

Despite the locational advantages, unemployment and illiteracy levels remain high. Most of the residents are third-generation immigrants from the Black Sea coast who are still in touch with their rural roots. They are highly conservative, and tied to their traditional values.

Main aim of the organization is to provide equality of opportunities in society by volunteering activities and social responsibility projects. YVA is formed as an organisation where youth would become the engine of community change towards self-governance, and help to solve significant problems.
Young Volunteers Association is unique in several aspects when compared to other youth organisations in Turkey. First, it was initiated and is governed by youth. Second, it represents disadvantaged youth from low-income families. Third, it is based in a low-income gecekondu (squatter) neighbourhood. Fourth, its activities include provision of services for the neighbourhood children, and other place-based initiatives meaningful to the residents.