CAYC 2025
We are excited to announce a conference on April 19, 2025, in Burlingame, California, focused on taking youth commissions in California to the next level. This pivotal event aims to bring together community leaders, policymakers, youth advocates, and members of local youth commissions to address critical issues facing adolescents in our state. With the goal of fostering collaboration and strengthening youth advocacy, the conference will cover a range of topics pertinent to the well-being of young people in California.
Building a Collaborative Future
The conference's overarching goal is to build a collaborative future where every town in California has a thriving youth commission. By forming a state-level association, local youth commissions can share resources and best practices and support each other in their efforts to empower young people. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, participate in interactive workshops, and contribute to the development of a unified strategy for youth advocacy in California. This collective effort will not only strengthen individual youth commissions but also ensure that the voices of young people are heard and respected at the state level.
Understanding the Disparities in Youth Commissions
A significant portion of the conference will be dedicated to understanding and addressing disparities in youth commissions. Why do some towns not have youth commissions, and why are these towns disproportionately communities of color? Despite the clear benefits of having a youth commission, which includes providing a voice for young people in local government and fostering civic engagement, many towns in California lack such bodies; new solutions are needed. Some of these communities face numerous obstacles, including limited funding, higher rates of poverty, and reduced access to educational and recreational programs. By identifying these barriers, the conference aims to develop strategies to encourage the formation and sustainability of youth commissions across all communities. The conference will offer practical advice and case studies on successful youth commission initiatives in similar settings. Participants will learn about innovative approaches to overcome these challenges, such as securing grants, building partnerships with local businesses and non-profits, and engaging youth through targeted outreach programs.
Addressing Key Policy Issues
One of the central themes of the conference will be the exploration of policy changes that can significantly impact adolescents. Three pressing issues the conference will examine are the fentanyl epidemic, adolescent mental health challenges, and the effects of social media on adolescents in California.
The fentanyl epidemic has had a devastating impact on communities across California, particularly affecting young people. Through in-depth policy sessions, experts will discuss potential legislative measures to combat this crisis, including prevention strategies, treatment options, and educational programs aimed at reducing fentanyl abuse among adolescents, including inadvertent exposures.
Adolescent mental health is another critical area that requires urgent attention. The conference will provide a platform for discussing the mental health challenges faced by young people, including anxiety, depression, and the impact of social media. Policy sessions will explore ways to enhance mental health services, improve access to care, and implement school-based mental health programs.
Additionally, the influence of social media on adolescents has become a growing concern. The conference will address how excessive use of social media can lead to issues such as cyberbullying, low self-esteem, and mental health disorders. Experts will discuss potential policy solutions, including digital literacy education, parental control tools, and regulations to safeguard youth from the negative impacts of social media.
In conclusion, CAYC 2025 represents a significant step forward in addressing the needs of adolescents in California. By coming together, we can create a stronger, more supportive environment for our youth, ensuring they have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. We look forward to your participation in this transformative event and to working together to build a brighter future for the young people of California.
Image credit: San Mateo Daily Journal
