Model and Strategy
The core purpose of Youth & Government (Y&G) is exemplified in its motto "Democracy Must Be Learned By Each Generation." Founded nearly 70 years ago, Y&G ensures that YSF's future leaders understand the principles of citizenship, leadership and democracy, along with the YSF's core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
While the statewide program largely focuses on youth participating in democratic procedures, our local delegations focus on solving real community issues around health, education reform, and sexual assault awareness and prevention. YSF connects youth to tangible social issues and campaigns at a local, regional, and statewide level and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve as advocates for themselves and their communities. By developing concrete skills, taking on leadership roles, and building relationships with peers and mentors, youth become civically engaged while building a foundation for their future as empowered Bay Area adults.
Impact
Track participant intake data, demographics, attendance records, and individual service records and capture required client data in current systems required from a variety of city and county agencies, as well as use many self-evaluation tools to track immediate and long term impact
Collect data from alumni on how engaged they are civically and how successful they have been in their higher education pursuits
Develop young leaders who will drive positive change and act as advocates as they take on issues that inform the policies and laws in place in San Francisco and across the state
Engage a diverse group of young people, setting up the future of California to be shaped by the collaboration of different perspectives
Measure how Y&G improves participants' self-esteem, confidence with public speaking, success in school, and pursuit of a legal or public service careers, in addition to making more civically engaged adults
Measure how participants go on to engage with higher education (In 2013, 100% of graduating seniors from one of Y&G's most diverse delegations were accepted to and attend colleges throughout the University of California system)
Leadership
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Chuck Collins
President & CEO