The Southern California Youth Futures Summit had a remarkable lineup of speakers who engaged with the young attendees and discussed ways to attain their envisioned California. These speakers were also trailblazers, such as Congressman Mark Takano who was the first openly gay person of color in the U.S. Congress and Assemblymembers Sabrina Cervantes and Corey Jackson, the first Latina lesbian and Black gay members respectively elected to the California state legislature. 

 

During her speech, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes shared her experience being openly LGBTQ and Latina in the California Assembly and emphasized the importance of staying true to one's background and community.

 

 

“If you truly want to be the change, you have to find it within yourself to take that leap of faith to step into that next stage in your life.” – Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes

 

Assemblymember Corey Jackson stressed the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers and reaching out to individuals who may seem dissimilar. He emphasized the crucial role of forming connections with a diverse group of people to establish a strong community capable of driving change.

 

 “In my junior year in high school, I was raised by a village… teachers in high school that I still talk to today took me under their wings and told me that I could do more than just play sports.” – Assemblymember Corey Jackson

 

After lunch, Congressman Mark Takano shared the pivotal moments that drove him to public service, such as observing Rep. Barbara Jordan during the Nixon impeachment proceedings and his family's internment during World War II. He also recounted his journey to becoming a representative in the House of Representatives.

 

“You are on the front lines of saving our democracy… and reanimating and repurposing our institutions.” – Congressman Mark Takano

 

Finally, Genna Weinstein, a California 100 Futures Fellow and a student at UC Davis, imparted her knowledge on the youth about creating a manifesto for the future, building confidence to chase their aspirations, and the influence young Californians possess to bring about change in the state.

 

“When I was in high school, and even now, I knew I wanted to change the world. I just didn’t know how. How would it be possible for me to do anything that would make a difference? The answer lies in taking small steps towards a larger solution.” – Futures Fellow Genna Weinstein (UC Davis)

 

SUMMIT WORKSHOPS:

• Education, Workforce, & the Creative Economy 
• Climate Change & Environment 
• Health, Mental Health, & Wellbeing
• Civic Engagement & Empowerment
• Community Safety & Justice Reform
• Humane Housing & Reliable Transportation

During the summit, students collaborated to devise solutions to various issues. Their ideas were truly impactful, with suggestions such as the creation of "more nonprofits for legal guidance," the provision of "universal free feminine hygiene products," and the inclusion of "more inclusive history classes" in the curriculum. Additionally, as part of the larger Youth Futures initiative this spring, students wrote postcards to Governor Gavin Newsom, expressing their hopes and aspirations for the future of California. 

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to take part in various workshops, including "The Future is Now," "Financial Aid and Finding Resources," "STEM and Social Justice," "Voter Rights for Youth," and "Labor Rights in the IE." These workshops offered a diverse range of educational and interactive opportunities for students to broaden their knowledge and skills.

YOUTH PARTNERS:

 

Alongside California 100, the Center for Social Innovation was honored to be in community with strong youth partners from throughout the region including: 

• BLU Foundation
• California State University of San Bernardino, College Corps
• Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California 
• Congregations for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)
• Growing Inland Achievement
• Moreno Valley Community College, TRIO Program
• Moreno Valley Unified School District
• National Society of Black Engineers, UCR Chapter
• Riverside Unified School District
• San Bernardino Unified School District
• UCLA California Freedom Summer Initiative
• UCR Black Faculty and Staff Association
• UCR Gluck Fellows 
• UCR Student Life
• Youth Mentoring Action Network (YMAN)

The Southern California Youth Futures Summit was a huge success, with participants praising the inspiring speakers, engaging workshops, and opportunities to connect with other young people who are passionate about making a difference. We hope to continue the conversation by visiting local high schools and conducting manifesto workshops with youth to broaden the number of young people engaged in developing a policy vision for their communities. If you are interested in hosting a brief manifesto workshop with youth, please contact Fatima Nelson at fatima.nelson@ucr.edu.