Youth Empowerment Commission’s Five-Year Strategic Plan: (2025-2030)

The California Youth Empowerment Commission (“YEC” or “Commission”) is developing a Strategic Plan to guide the direction and priorities of the Commission over the next few years. We ask that you be part of the conversation and provide feedback on the draft strategic plan.

Strategic Plan Survey: 2025-2030

 

Draft Mission Statement 

 

We uplift the voices and leadership of California’s youth – especially those from marginalized communities – by shaping policy, strengthening civic engagement, and creating equitable access to opportunities that build youth power and well-being.  

 

Draft Vision Statement 

 

A California where all youth thrive in just, inclusive systems that reflect their lived experiences and support their futures. 

 

Draft Core Values 

 

  • Youth Power & Leadership 
  • Equity & Inclusion 
  • Authentic Engagement 
  • Collaboration & Partnership 
  • Transparency & Accountability 
  • Proactive & Systemic Solutions 

 

 

Draft Goals and Objectives 

GOAL 1. Programs and Services Access

Goal: Strengthen youth-related policy and legislation to expand equitable access to youth programs and services.

Objectives:

1.1 Increase Commission community and understanding of the State policymaking process.

1.2 Provide State decision- makers with youth-informed insights and policy proposals to both remove systematic obstacles to existing services and create or expand programs that reflect emerging youth identified needs.

1.3 Bring the needs and success of youth- serving organizations to State decision-makers.

GOAL 2. Preventative Care Models

GOAL: Examine and inform the State budgets that respond to youth needs.

Objectives:

2.1 Increase Commission and community understanding of how State funds are allocated to support youth well-being.

2.2 Enhance pathways to elevate youth and community voice in Commission budget recommendations.

GOAL 3. Youth Activation

GOAL: Advance youth participation and leadership in sustained, meaningful civic engagement, with a focus on marginalized and underrepresented youth.  

Objectives:

3.1 Build equitable partnerships with policy and civic groups to grow civically- engaged youth leaders.

3.2 Collaborate with State, local, and community groups on youth- centered campaigns that share meaningful youth civic engagements opportunities. 

3.3 Promote youth leadership efforts to inspire more youth to participate in civic engagement.

GOAL 4. Youth Ecosystem

GOAL: Grow the capacity and collaboration of youth-serving organizations to meet youth needs and maximize impact.

Objectives:

4.1 support resources and knowledge-sharing across youth-serving groups so they can learn from each other. 

4.2 Share funding opportunities to grow and sustain local youth commissions. 

4.3 Create a fund to provide grants to organizations and programs that serve marginalized youth.

GOAL 5. Operational Infrastructure

GOAL: Build the operations of the Commission to stay effective and sustain impact over time.

Objectives:

5.1 Build a website that keeps youth informed about updates, opportunities, and outcomes. 

5.2 Secure funding to support continued Commission operations. 

5.3 Add staff and tools to manage programs, support youth engagement, and sustain growth.

5.4 Partner with State and community organizations to spread awareness of programs and services.