Northfield Union of Youth
The Northfield Union of Youth (NUY) is the self-proclaimed, longest-running, youth-run youth center in the United States. The NUY is located in downtown Northfield, Minnesota in a building called The Key, named after a co-founder who unexpectedly died weeks before the Key’s grand opening.[1] The NUY’s mission is “to give power and voice to area youth and create a caring community.” The NUY/Key serves as an after school drop-in center for youth ages 12–20 and offers daily programming including Book Club, Art Project, KeYMN Radio Show through KYMN, Photo Club, Movie Night, Writing Workshop, and various seasonal programming such as Garden Club and Hooping Club. The Key hosts a college preparation program that matches community members with individual youth who are in the process of preparing for and applying to colleges. The NUY makes a strong commitment to enlist its members in monthly service and civic engagement projects in the community.
History
In 1993, a small group of area youth organized and formed The Northfield Union of Youth (NUY). Youth participants met every Wednesday. By July 1995,the NUY had raised $10,000 and purchased a building in downtown Northfield to establish a youth run youth center. With the help of professional volunteers, the youth spent almost six months rebuilding. In December 1995, The Key officially opened its doors to area youth ages 12–20. In 2010, after extensive growth, The Key purchased a larger facility just blocks from the first building.[2] After extensive remodeling, with the help and support of many Northfield community members, the NUY opened a new center in September 2010. With over twice the space and backyard, The Key has since been able to expand programs and accommodate more youth. The NUY youth board meets every Wednesday to plan programs, organize volunteer opportunities, discuss fund raising and grant opportunities, and plan events.