About

GET INFORMED. GET INVOLVED.

Defend Youngstown supports informed citizenship, grassroots activism and community pride in relation to the advancement of Youngstown, OH. 

Defend uses journalism & social media, community organizing, marketing (ie. merchandise) and fundraising to carry out its mission of promoting and supporting local grassroots efforts.

Get informed. Get involved. Subscribe to, Friend or Follow Defend Youngstown and you'll be able to do just that.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER



Phil Kidd is the founder of Defend Youngstown. Phil came to Youngstown from the Pittsburgh area to attend Youngstown State University in the late 1990's.

Upon graduation, Phil served as an officer in the United States Army. He returned to Youngstown intrigued by the city’s now nationally and internationally recognized planning effort, Youngstown 2010.

Inspired by the vision of the plan and armed only initially with a sign which he held downtown on weekend nights, Phil launched the movement now known as 'Defend Youngstown' which has been recognized both nationally and internationally. 

Kidd is also the founder of the Youngstown Nation Gift Shop & Information Center in downtown Youngstown and also keeps a personal blog (In Defense) which discusses local issues in the community.