Public Policy & Advocacy
At CalYouth, we are committed to advocating for public policies, programs, and services that empower and improve the lives of all California’s youth aged 12-24. As a statewide coalition, we represent member organizations from across the state at the regional, state, and federal levels. Our focus is particularly on disconnected, runaway, and homeless youth, ensuring they have a voice in policy discussions that affect their future.
Public Policy & Advocacy
We act as a strong voice for youth and young adults by advocating for:
- Programs that respect, empower, and protect the rights of all youth.
- Services that help youth transition into successful and independent adulthood.
With nearly 300,000 youth under the age of 18 and many thousands more between 18-24 experiencing homelessness in California, the need for focused advocacy is critical. Additionally, tens of thousands of disconnected youth struggle without representation, lacking services or a clear path forward.
Our Vision for California’s Youth
We envision a future where every young person in California has access to the services, support, and programs they need to lead a successful, independent life. By empowering youth through advocacy and direct services, we aim to create systemic change that benefits all young people.
CalYouth’s Public Policy & Advocacy Committee
The Public Policy & Advocacy Committee, consisting of our Board of Directors, meets monthly to guide CalYouth’s policy efforts. We:
- Sponsor bills addressing critical youth issues.
- Support legislative actions that benefit youth services and protections.
- Review hundreds of bills annually to assess their impact on the populations we serve.
We also address regulatory issues that affect our members’ programs and operations, ensuring they can continue to serve California’s youth effectively.
Advocacy in Action
Each year, CalYouth:
- Meets with state legislators, their staff, and other elected officials to advocate for youth-focused policies and regulations.
- Provides opportunities for our members to engage directly with policymakers at hearings, legislative meetings, and forums to influence positive policy changes.
By facilitating these connections, we help ensure that the voices of disconnected, runaway, and homeless youth are heard and that their needs are prioritized in the legislative process.