Youth Empowerment Commission

The California Youth Empowerment Act (AB-46) was established to address the growing need to engage youth directly with policymakers. This act creates the California Youth Empowerment Commission, consisting of 13 voting commissioners aged 14 to 25, appointed by the Governor and other state officials.

Purpose

The main purpose of the commission is to provide meaningful opportunities for civic engagement to improve the quality of life for California’s youth and especially disadvantaged youth whose voices often go unheard. The commission will:

  • Advise the Legislature, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Governor on legislative and fiscal issues affecting youth,
  • Draft and approve resolutions and model legislation,
  • Conduct public hearings with community and youth organizations to identify pressing issues and debate priorities.

Key Issues Addressed

The commission will focus on various issues, including:

  • Education and Career Preparation
  • Mental and Physical Health
  • Homelessness and Housing
  • Juvenile Justice and Foster Care
  • Climate Crisis and Civic Engagement

Upcoming Meetings & Events

September 19th, 2024

Youth Empowerment Commission

Location

Scottish Rite Center
Red Room 1547
Lakeside Dr
Oakland, CA 94612

Time

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Submit a Public Comment  Register on Zoom  Meeting Materials 

Thomisha Wallace

“The Youth Empowerment Commission has an unprecedented opportunity to uplift the voice of California’s disadvantaged youth by providing policy, legislative, and fiscal recommendations that are reflective of voices that have historically been excluded from the process of creating equitable solutions for young Californians.”

Thomisha Wallace

Executive Director of the Youth Empowerment Commission

News & Announcements

California’s Youth Empowerment Commission Launches to Tackle Key Issues Facing Young People Across the State

The newly formed Youth Empowerment Commission held its inaugural meeting in Oakland yesterday evening, marking the official launch of a bold initiative to engage youth in the development of policy and legislative solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing young people in California today, including homelessness, education, and mental health. 

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