Youth Advocacy Day 2011

Our very own San Francisco Giants winning the 2010 World Series caused the city to buzz with excitement and orange and black pride.

On Wednesday, April 6th, the city was also buzzing with orange and black pride......representing youth voice and youth power. On this day, the Youth Empowerment Fund hosted the second annual Youth Advocacy Day - a historic day of youth civic engagement. High school students had the opportunity to learn about city government in workshops led by the 2011 Youth Warriors and also meet with their elected and city officials to discuss youth issues they care about.

The Youth Warriors, who rocked out in their orange and black Youth Advocacy Day T-shirts, led engaging small group workshops and helped the students prepare talking points and questions for their meetings with the local officials. Several members of the Board of Supervisors, the Mayor, and various city departments participated, including the SFMTA, Police, Juvenile Probation, Public Library, Environment, Public Health, Department of Children, Youth, and their Families, and Recreation and Parks.

One of the highlights of the day was Mayor Edwin Lee addressing all the youth in his conference room at City Hall and sharing inspiring words on pursuing higher education and being involved in city politics.

The closing ceremony and press conference on the City Hall Polk St. Steps was a beautiful ending to a beautiful day. The steps were adorned by orange and black balloons, our youth-painted Youth Advocacy Day sign, and all the students standing and facing the crowd of press. At the podium, we heard words of inspiration from Supervisors Campos and Farrell, a representative from Senator Mark Leno's office, and also Youth Warrior Robin Bonner.

We're excited to host Youth Advocacy Day in 2012 and continue to represent orange and black pride - symbolizing San Francisco's youth and the power to make their voices heard in city government!