California Association of Youth Commissions (CAYC)

The California Association of Youth Commissions (CAYC) is a pioneering organization dedicated to uniting youth commissions across California to share best practices, collaborate on initiatives, and enhance the well-being of young people in their communities. While youth commissions exist nationwide and some states have state-level commissions, CAYC is unique in its approach to connecting local commissions within a state. The organization leverages the deep, grassroots insights of local commissions to inform and drive policy recommendations.

Mission and Goals

Empower Youth, Shape the Future:

CAYC seeks to be a powerful collective voice influencing legislation to benefit youth. By forming a state-level association, local youth commissions can share resources, best practices, and support one another in their efforts to empower young people.

Advocacy and Support:

A key goal is to understand and address disparities among youth commissions. Despite the clear benefits—such as providing a voice for young people in local government and fostering civic engagement—many towns in California lack youth commissions due to limited funding, higher poverty rates, and reduced access to educational and recreational programs. By identifying these barriers, CAYC aims to develop strategies to encourage the formation and sustainability of youth commissions across all communities.

Thanks to the nearly 100 youth leaders and adult experts who joined us for “Speaking up for Change,” 3rd Annual CAYC Virtual Fall Youth Summit, Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:00 am - 11:45 am!

CAYC Upcoming Events and Initiatives!

• 3rd Annual CAYC Spring In-person Conference, Saturday, March 20, 2027, Burlingame Community Center- see you there!

• “California Through Youth Eyes”

  • Online initiative for youth share what they love or which to fix in their community.

  • All interested CA youth commissioners may submit drawings, paintings, photographs, digital art, or comics, with an explanation of the community issue.

  • The initiative will culminate in an online gallery and Zoom showcase where young artists can present their work.

• Civic Engagement Survey

• AI Literacy Workshop Kit Initiative

Confirmed Speakers and Workshops!

Guest Speakers

• Michael Brownrigg, Burlingame Mayor

• Jim Irizarry, San Mateo Youth Vote Advisory Coalition

• Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco District Attorney

• Julie Lythcott-Haims, Palo Alto City Councilmember and Author

• Dr. Janet Lindow, Rural Behavioral Institute CEO

• Ray Mueller, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Vice-President

• Leslie Ragsdale, Hillsborough Vice-Mayor

• Andrea Wong, GenUP

• Futures Commission

• Oakland Youth Vote Coalition

Youth-led Workshops

• Youth Voice in AI 

• Digital and Physical Canvassing: Compromise and Compassion in Communication

• CA Youth State-Level Lobbying 

• Shaping the Future We Want

• Responsible Gambling

• Youth in AI Policymaking

  Thanks to all the youth commissions for submitting your slides and sharing out for the Youth Commission Idea Exchange!

Summer 2026 Highlight!