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Youth Democracy

People marching during the Oakland teacher strike. | Image from "City Rising: Youth & Democracy"
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56:39
City Rising

Youth & Democracy

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Youth climate activists participate in Youth Climate Strike LA outside City Hall on March 25, 2022. Students protested at youth climate strikes across the country, calling for government action on climate change.
When it comes to taking action on climate change, perception matters. We often see the problem is large and insurmountable, but the field of climate action can be as small as our own bodies. And small steps, coming from a place of joy, can be more powerful than we think.
Two students volunteering at a booth speak to two individuals looking at pamphlets that read "Schools Not Prisons."
During the pandemic, Black and Latino youth noticed an increase in mental health issues among their peers. Members of the ACLU's SoCal youth branch took action, advocating for holistic mental health solutions in schools.
5 men sit at a table in front of a laptop
The Brothers, Sons, Selves (BSS) coalition fosters life-affirming spaces for boys and men of color, where justice is rooted in transforming oppressive systems but also in building a trusting and loving community.
5 men sit at a table in front of a laptop
The Brothers, Sons, Selves (BSS) coalition fosters life-affirming spaces for boys and men of color, where justice is rooted in transforming oppressive systems but also in building a trusting and loving community.
COP26 Coalition Protestors Take Part In The Global Day of Action for Climate Justice
Youth climate activists have criticized the COP26 pact for being "vague" and failing to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. For one activist, the disappointment with negotiations at the global level inspired him to focus his work more locally in Southern California.
Freeways crisscross and a lot of concrete infrastructure as seen overhead
"City Rising: Youth & Democracy" follows the stories of youth leaders, allies and organizations as they challenge institutional and systemic issues through civic engagement. Learn more about the people and organizations featured in this season.
Chiqui Diaz at work advocating to end social isolation | Courtesy of Chiqui Diaz
The Youth Awards was created in 2018 to recognize the impact youth voices have in creating change throughout California. Learn more about the positive work they're accomplishing throughout the state.
Protesters confront police outside the 3rd Police Precinct on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota after the George Floyd killing | Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
In the Golden State, the youth have a long history of storytelling that uncovers little-heard narratives.
Demonstrators gather in front of the United States Supreme Court, where the Court is hearing arguments on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - DACA. | Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images
These activists are part of a long history in America, stretching back as far back as the 1830s (and likely beyond), of youth challenging and transforming our democracy. Here is a look at some of those movements.
Californians for Justice youths at the beach and playing in the water. It is a rare experience for many to just be able to relax since many are juggling multiple responsibilities created by social and economic systems. | Californians for Justice
Youth organizations are not just protesting or mobilizing; they are increasingly and consciously working self-care and healing as a form of political resistance.
 Power California Field Director Mynor Godoy assists volunteer phone bankers at a GOTV event in Los Angeles in February 2020 | Jay Banks
Through campaign work on Proposition 15, young people are learning how they play a role in shaping the future of California.
99Rootz youth leaders at a volunteer phone bank at an office in Atwater, Merced County in Spring 2020. | Crisantema Gallardo
Young people of color are a part of a shifting electorate in California and speak to the potential power they could have in shaping California's future.
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