A young man with short curly hair, wearing a blue polo shirt, carrying a backpack, smiling, standing outdoors.
Black background with bold white text that reads "Youth Leadership Development".

By All Means Leadership Alliance Inc. (BAMLA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that develops young people into leaders who serve and transform their communities. Through culturally responsive leadership programs, educational initiatives, internships, and Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), BAMLA equips youth to examine systemic barriers and lead social justice projects with lasting impact. Grounded in the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, we nurture identity, agency, and postsecondary success while cultivating youth as changemakers.

Graphic with the words 'CORE VALUES' in bold white letters on a dark background.

BAMLA’s core values are grounded in principles that uplift under-resourced and historically marginalized communities, driving our work locally, nationally, and globally.

Group of four diverse young adults enjoying pizza and laughing on park bench with autumn trees in background, emphasizing themes of leadership.
A woman holding a wooden box filled with fresh vegetables including leafy greens, radishes, peppers, and carrots, with the words "Community Service" in bold white text at the bottom.
Multiple hands of diverse skin tones are placed on a globe, symbolizing unity and inclusivity, with the word 'EQUITY' in bold white letters at the bottom left corner.
Close-up of the word 'PROGRAMS' in bold, black letters against a white background.

BAMLA’s programs are grounded in evidence-based research on Positive Youth Development (PYD), emphasizing strengths-based approaches that nurture young people’s competence, confidence, connection, character, and contribution. Our initiatives are intentionally designed to support holistic growth, resilience, and long-term success in the face of systemic challenges.

Group of four boys in black shirts, standing together with arms crossed, posing for a picture in front of a wall with portraits of historical figures. One boy is wearing a shirt with the text 'MY NAME IS MR.' with a tiger graphic on the back.
A diverse group of four women smiling together in a bright, modern office, with the phrase "MY NAME IS MISS" partially visible at the bottom.
A group of six diverse young people smiling and looking down at the camera, forming a circle with their heads close together.
A woman wearing a black top with gold embroidery, denim overalls, and a red scarf around her neck, standing outdoors at a pink table with food, holding a fork near a small tree. There are plates of green beans, cake, and other foods on the table, with other diners and a street scene in the background. "Food Justice" is written at the bottom of the image.
The word 'RESEARCH' in large, bold, white letters on a dark background.
A man sitting and working on a laptop while four children observe and take notes, outdoors near a metal railing. The image has a black border with the text 'OUR RESEARCH' at the bottom.
The word 'VOLUNTEER' in bold, white, uppercase letters on a black background.
Group of diverse young people and a man in an office or classroom, engaged in a discussion or activity around a laptop, smiling and looking at the screen.

“It takes a village to raise a child…”

Contact us to be a part of our village. We would love to hear from you. We’re looking for volunteers who can help us with:

  • Leadership Training Workshops

  • Academic Tutoring

  • Career Mentoring

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Group of volunteers in green shirts packing donations, including stuffed animals and supplies, at a donation center.

Featured Social Justice Installations

Anti-food Apartheid Mission: Young people learning entrepreneurial and leadership skills through food justice events and food truck initiatives to provide free healthy meal options in the food deserts and swamps in affected NYC communities.