By Yakira Braunstein (Student Contributor). Peninsula 360 Press
“Youth are the key to the future,” was a theme repeated throughout the day.
On Saturday, April 19, the California Association of Youth Commissions (CAYC) held its inaugural spring conference at the Burlingame Community Center, bringing youth commissioners from all over California together to collaborate about issues facing society and youth today.
Dozens of speakers, from elected officials to educators and other community leaders, addressed over 85 youth leaders with messages designed to educate and encourage youth to take action
“Every single day there is an opportunity to do something,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-CA. “Many social movements have been led by young people, such as the Civil Rights Movement.”
The conference was organized by CAYC student founders Anya Dalal and Rohan Dalal, alongside a steering committee in an effort to bring together members of youth commissions throughout the state.
“We’ve been planning this conference for a long time – I’m really happy to be able to bring young people together to connect and make an impact on California – we have lots of speakers and new ideas, and such great energy in the room,” said Anya Dalal, Co-Founder of the CAYC.
One of the goals of the conference was to get young people together to learn how to start youth commissions if their city doesn’t have one.
While many cities and counties around California have youth commissions, including the cities of Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, and San Mateo County, not all cities do.
Senior Rohan Dalal worked with Hillsborough City Council Member Leslie Ragsdale to put together a youth council with his sister. “It took a long time and there was a lot to learn. Part of this conference is to provide that help to those seeking to create a commission,” said Dalal.
The conference offered a high-powered lineup of elected officials from all levels of government.
Congressman Kevin Mullin updated the youth leaders on the climate in Washington, including an update on the SAVE Act, Republican sponsored legislation aimed at tightening voter registration requirements.
Following his report, youth commissioners asked questions about issues of concern.
In response to a student's question about lowering the voting age to 16, Congressman Mullin replied, “It will be up to you to show that this model could work or not.”
Another youth attendee asked his thoughts on climate change and the effect of sea-level rise on the Bay Area.
“We need to make sure communities are working together so that one action doesn’t affect another community negatively. We are all going to be affected. We need to especially help lower-income communities and get them resilient. When the more extreme weather comes, we need to be strengthened. It doesn’t matter what your politics are, we are all going to be affected by climate change,” said Mullin.
Other speakers and panels addressed issues pertinent to other issues important to youth, including social media and the digital world, AI, mental health and wellness for teens, and cultural pride.
Speaker Chris Field was part of a panel on Teen health and mental health issues. Field works with the Addiction Education Society (AES), a non-profit organization in San Mateo County that provides education to local schooal about addiction.
“This conference for youth leaders is so important - it gives young people a voice and the chance to effect change in their community and socially,” said Field.
The presenters resonated with Revant Dadoo, a youth commissioner from Redwood City:, “I want to learn about how I can become an active member of society as a teen,” said Dadoo.
The conference was motivating to the youth commissioners in attendance.
“Hearing from the speakers was a privilege and a reinforcement of what our youth commissions are working towards–equal opportunity, community engagement, and elevation of everyone’s voices,” said Jonah Gatoff, Secretary of the Hillsborough Youth Commission.
Ella Roslansky, a youth commissioner from Hillsborough, enjoyed the networking. “One of the most important parts of the CAYC conference is meeting with the other commissioners. It allows us to share ideas and strengthen each individual commission,” said Roslansky.
The messages from throughout the day made it clear that there are great hopes for youth to lead the way.
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