California Center for Civic Participation

Mission: To empower youth to be active and valued participants in decision making processes at all levels.

Who We Are:

We inspire, educate and empower high school students to find their own unique voice to address issues they care about. Youth do this through research, planning and policy-making which help instill the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills needed to build and maintain power among this age group and beyond. Youth affiliated with schools and communities statewide focus on health equity, environmental sustainability, gender equity and combating injustices related to xenophobia, homophobia, sexism and racial discrimination. Participants emerge from our programs confident with the sophisticated skills needed to lead efforts to improve our communities. 

Our Vision:

In our vision all young people have the skills to analyze and think critically about public policy and systems of government in order to become informed individuals who actively participate in a democratic society. 

Youth are made a priority in CA communities. Their experiences are recognized and validated by those in power and youth are an integral part of decision making at all levels. 

All youth are adequately supported emotionally, physically, mentally and financially to thrive in a society that puts children and youth first.