Solano Youth Coalition Meets With Reps During Capital Visit

From the Solano County Office of Education: The Solano County Office of Education (SCOE), Youth Development Department staff, took 15 members of the Solano Youth Coalition (SYC) on a leadership retreat in Sacramento this week. The retreat kicked off on Monday, June 10th, with a leadership day training with Scott Backovich, a nationally known youth motivational speaker. Backovich spoke about the influence youth have over their community, and how to use their influence to create positive change. Backovich helped coalition members examine their communities to identify issues that need action and encouraged them to use the skills they have learned to be advocates for their community members who need their support.

On Tuesday, June 11th SYC members spent the day in the State Capital. The group met with Senator Bill Dodd and Assembly Members Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Tim Grayson. Students discussed a wide range of issues including; tobacco education and awareness, teen dating violence and youth mental health. They shared the work they have done over the past year; concerns they have about their communities and how students and legislators can collaborate in the future.

SYC also met to discuss important issues with representatives from various statewide agencies including, California Department of Public Health, Alcohol Beverage Control and California Highway Patrol. Dr. Jim Kooler, from the California Friday Night Live Partnership spent the day with SYC as well.

Solano County Superintendent of Schools, Lisette Estrella-Henderson commented, “Providing our youth with opportunities to speak with our representatives enables them to be proactive in issues directly affecting them. The ideas generated from these meetings will guide the Solano Youth Coalition’s work in the coming year, and I am excited to see what our young people do next.”

SYC is comprised of youth from Solano County’s high schools and colleges and supported by an advisory team of adults, from the Youth Development Department at the Solano County Office of Education. The mission of the Coalition is to raise awareness by advocating safe and healthier choices in communities. This year, the coalition tackled issues around school climate, bullying, problem gambling, mental health and teen dating violence.

SYC member Ryan Anenson felt empowered after his meeting with Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry saying, “She shared with us how much potential there is for youth to get involved in community change and actually affecting policy. I’m excited about working with all our elected officials to make Solano County a healthier and safer community.”

For more information about the Solano Youth Coalition, please contact, Johanna Nowak-Palmer at jnowak@solanocoe.net.