Youth in Action is built on the belief that civic engagement should be active, ongoing, and intentional. Each month, we focus on a core theme that addresses a real-world issue and give students multiple ways to engage through guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and global conversations on our podcast.
August
Civic Foundation
Objective: Lay the groundwork for understanding local government, civic responsibilities, and how everyday people influence change.
Why It Matters: Many young people want to make a difference but don’t know where to start. This month equips students with the basic tools to participate meaningfully in civic life.
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Events:
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Kickoff Seminar with City Judges — A direct conversation about how local government works, current community challenges, and how students can get involved.
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Workshop: “Civic 101” — Interactive session covering how to contact elected officials, write impactful letters, and attend public meetings.
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Podcast Episode with Mayor Fred Jung — Real stories from a leader who began his journey in local politics as a teenager.
September
Education & Youth Voice
Objective: Show students how education policy shapes their daily lives and empower them to speak up about their needs.
Why It Matters: Education is one of the most direct ways policy impacts youth, yet many students don’t realize their voices can influence school board and district decisions.
Events:
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Panel with School Board Members & Student Representatives — A moderated discussion where students can ask questions and learn how decisions about funding, curriculum, and policy are made.
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Workshop on Public Speaking & Advocacy Skills — Students practice persuasive speech, storytelling, and confidence-building for public forums.
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Podcast Episode on Student-Led Reform — Highlighting successful youth campaigns that have changed school policies.
October
Environmental Justice
Objective: Teach students how environmental issues impact communities differently and inspire them to take local action for sustainability.
Why It Matters: Climate change and environmental degradation affect everyone, but youth are uniquely positioned to drive lasting change through awareness and activism.
Events:
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Guest Speaker from an Environmental Nonprofit — Sharing insight into grassroots sustainability efforts and climate policy work.
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Hands-On Activity: Community Cleanup or Tree Planting — Students experience the direct impact of their work while building teamwork skills.
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Podcast Episode on Youth Climate Activism — Interviews with young leaders making waves in environmental policy and community action.
Novemeber
Equity in Action
Objective: Explore what equity means in different contexts (education, housing, healthcare, justice) and how to create inclusive, fair systems.
Why It Matters: Equity is the backbone of a thriving community, but it requires ongoing effort to dismantle systemic barriers.
Events:
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Panel with Diversity & Inclusion Advocates — Discussion on how bias and barriers appear in everyday life and how to address them.
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Workshop on Community Organizing — Students learn how to gather support, plan campaigns, and drive local change.
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Podcast Episode with Grassroots Leaders — Featuring real stories from people working to build equity in their communities.