Youth Advocacy
GOOD CHARACTER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Youth Voice
The Club provides unique opportunities for youth to share their perspectives with State and National leaders. In January, teens met with U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler for a roundtable discussion. Youth discussed issues that matter most to them and what they are looking for from their government leaders.
Our Teen Advocacy Group (TAG) is a program for our teens in the Greater Visitacion Valley where they explore social issues that are important to them with the ultimate goal of building an advocacy platform around an issue of their choice. This year, TAG decided to research, write, illustrate, and publish a children’s book to address their interest in environmental stewardship with a specific focus on native plants. The teens hosted a launch event at the Visitacion Valley Library with a reading and sharing of the final published book. Several community and government leaders attended in support including District Supervisor, Shamann Walton. In April, seven of our members joined other teens from across the state for the California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs’ California Days of Advocacy. This two-day event featured workshops on advocacy, a career panel, and a tour of the state Capitol. Each teen met with an elected official to advocate for change in their communities.
Participating in Days of Advocacy allowed me to give my community a voice and shed light on the problems we face. I always appreciate how the Club introduces me to experiences I never thought I would have, and these past few days will stick with me for a very long time.” HARIF, four-year member of the Columbia Park Clubhouse
Check out TAG’s Children’s Book