We are so grateful for the California Coalition for Youth (CCY), a statewide grassroots nonprofit organization serving disconnected young people, for hosting a two-day Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) on April 24 to April 25 at the Sacramento Convention Center!
Members of our Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a cohort of young people in our programs who work with a staff ally to affect policy changes, attended the conference and learned significant skills they need to advocate for change in the community through workshops and meetings with California representatives in the State Capitol. CCY also recognized two amazing partners and youth advocates at the event: Ali Schlageter of the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing with the Sue Matheson Mentoring Award, and Senator Scott Wiener with the Mark Pearlman Outstanding Service Award.
Here’s what members of the Youth Advisory Board had to say about their experience at YES:
“I think the time spent at YES was a time well-spent in creating a caring atmosphere where participants got to share their voices and our experiences to California representatives,” said Devonte “Riley” Boyd, YAB co-chair.
“It was an engaging and lovely experience. Working with fellow youth by advocating for transitional age youth was the best, ” said Anubis Daugherty, YAB Policy and City Hall Liaison.
This was a meaningful experience for young people and we are so honored to be a part of it!
Click on any photo below to expand and view the album: