Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and co-workers of those tragically killed in Atlanta. We are deeply saddened to see the continued hate crimes toward the AAPI community. The Youth Action Network stands in solidarity with our AAPI neighbors and friends and we stand strong in our commitment to creating a more safe and equitable community for ALL.
We encourage you and others to speak up and take action! To read the full United Way of Santa Cruz County solidarity statement follow this link: click here
For our AAPI community, if you are in need of mental health resources during this time, follow this link: click here
#StopAAPIHate #StopAsianHate
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Youth Action Network Updates |
During this month's planning committee meetings, we covered Personal Asset Mapping and Community Mapping!
Both of these meeting sessions were hosted in partnership with UCSC Professor Leslie Lopez and youth leaders from Jovenes SANOS.
Both of these activities are strength-based approaches to identifying resources, assets, and contributions of one's self and community. We find this important to bring into the Youth Action Network because it helps youth leaders and adult allies understand what they are able to contribute to the network, and also identify the impact they want to make in the community.
On the right is an example of a personal asset map and on the left are two examples of community asset maps. All examples are from youth from Jovenes SANOS who lead the activity with Professor Leslie Lopez for the YAN planning commtitee meetings.
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Connecting to other Youth Leaders in Northern California! |
On Monday, March 15th, the YAN Planning Committee had the opportunity to connect with the San Jose Youth Commission during their Youth Bill of Rights Town Hall. This was a great opportunity to learn about what other leadership groups are focusing on, their best practices, and how we could collaborate with them in the future!
Follow this link to learn more about the SJ Youth Commission and their work: click here
We look forward to connecting with more youth leadership groups in the future!
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Shared Safety & Youth Voice |
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From the youth well-being check-ins, we were able to connect with 124 youth and 9 different partner organizations. Through one on one qualitative interviews, youth shared their current well-being, resources they need, and ideas about creating community safety.
After analyzing the data, we organized the themes to then share with community leaders and the Watsonville Ad Hoc Committee on Policing and Social Equity.
We also have a call to action to increase a sense of safety and overall wellbeing for Youth in South County:
- Everyone has a role to play.
- Connect Youth to resources to meet their basic needs.
- Increase access to safe and inclusive spaces such as community events, youth programming/activities, and the ability to connect with one another.
- Normalize youth voice and authentic engagement in decision making.
To review all the data and themes collected: click here
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California Violence Prevention Network Collaboration |
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Established in 2007, the California Violence Prevention Network (CVPN) brought together 13 cities to develop a framework for reducing youth and gang violence through comprehensive community-wide action plans. Now 14 cities strong this member-based non-profit organization provides training and technical assistance to communities across the country and internationally in developing balanced violence prevention plans, reducing gun violence, spurring youth engagement, and strengthening police/community relationships.
We are happy to announce our continued partnership and collaboration with Cal VPN and have the former Youth Violence Prevention Network Chair, Watsonville Police Captain Jorge Zamora serve on Cal VPN’s Board. We look forward to working with this network in further including youth voice within violence prevention efforts.
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Community Opportunities & Events |
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Healthline and Prevention Institute Stronger Scholarship Program: will award three $7,000 scholarships to Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students reducing health inequities in their community. The deadline for this scholarship is April 20th, 2020. To learn more and apply: click here
Santa Cruz Climate Action Photo Contest: 5 winners will be selected to receive $100 Downtown Dollars and 3 Youth Action Scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to youth participants 21 or younger. To learn more and enter: click here
Your Future is Our Business, Career and Technical Education & Trades
Career Scholarship: open to any youth enrolled in a Santa Cruz County high school between the ages 16-24 that are interested in pursuing a career in the trades or attend a college/university. To learn more and apply: click here
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Youth Leadership and Learning Opportunities |
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Santa Cruz County Student Leadership: Racial Equity and Justice Student Community of Practice
Open to all public high school students! Friday's from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm.
The goal is to increase student involvement in racial equity and justice. Follow this link to apply: click here
For more information contact Celeste Gutierrez at cgutierrez@santacruzcoe.org
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Youth Solidarity Semester: Spring 2021!
The Solidarity Semesteris a free 5-week training school for emerging youth leaders across the country who are ready to take action for social change and are looking for ways to get involved on campus, online, and in your communities.
The Solidarity Semester will kick off on March 24th and end on April 21st starting from 2-3PST.
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Youth Organizing Institute
April 21–22 & April 28–29
The Youth Organizing Institute (YOI) is an opportunity to strengthen the organizing skills of youth leaders and staff organizers, build regional and statewide relationships, and advance power-building strategies in the Central Valley, Southern California, Northern California and Statewide.
Registration, workshop schedule, and additional information will be sent out soon! Follow them on IG @youthorganizeca.
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Your Future is Our Business Luncheon
They will be hosting their 20th Annual Education/Business luncheon on April 22nd from 12:00-1:00pm virtually via Zoom.
They plan to recognize and celebrate community partners who have dedicated their time providing work-based learning opportunities and helping students explore careers.
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Santa Cruz County Office of Education Equity Series: Focus on Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth and Families
This event will take place on, Thursday, March 25 from 6:00-8:00pm and will include a keynote talk entitled "Black and Queer in the Monterey Bay", a parent presentation, an LGBTQ+ student panel, and community input.
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Youth and Family Activities & Workshops |
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Youth Mindfulness Workshop: hosted by Library Hubs for Harmony on March 19th. For more information and to register: click here
Family Support Groups: hosted by NAMI Santa Cruz County during the 2nd & 4th Wednesday via zoom from 6:30-8:30. For more information and to register: click here or email: anastasia@namiscc.org
Beach Clean Up for Teens: interested in having some fun and watching the waves while also making a difference in the community. Join YouthSERVE and help during their beach cleanups. This month they will have one at the Boardwalk Beach on March 29 from 2:00-4:00pm. For more information and to sign up: click here
Spring Break Fundamentals Basketball Clinic: Youth NOW will hold a basketball clinic from March 29-April 2 from Monday-Friday. There will be a free throw contest, giveaways, Santa Cruz Warriors Muchainse & More! To register, stop by Youth NOW's office from Monday-Thursday between 12-5:30pm or give them a call at 831-786-7998
Watsonville's Return to Play: Watsonville Parks and Rec is excited to announce sports registration is open for youth & adults starting March 12th. To learn more about the COVID guidelines and sports available sign up for follow this link: click here
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Youth Action Network Coordinators
Amanda Gamban
Gabriela Sanchez Ramirez
gsanchez@unitedwaysc.org
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4450 Capitola Rd, Ste 106
Capitola, CA 95010
PHONE | [831.479.5466]
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Follow us on Facebook & Instagam |
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