California Youth Democracy Alliance

The California Youth Democracy Alliance (CYDA) is a project that is currently under development that will educate youth about informed civic engagement by providing a structure and guiding a process of research, deliberation, and advocacy on issues that are important to them. The project has received a planning grant from the Stuart Foundation.

YOUTH LEADERS! We need to hear from you!

To help guide the creation of CYDA, please take ten minutes to share your ideas and opinions regarding the design of this youth-led organization. Encourage your friends to share their views also! If some would complete a hard copy, please print the survey and give it to them. Please return completed surveys to: John Minkler, 2086 East Skyview Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720.

CYDA will cultivate informed authentic participation in the democratic process among an ethnic and geographic cross-section of youth, ages 13-24. Youth leaders will research issues important to them, consult with subject experts and legislative advisors, deliberate with peers and explore policy alternatives, in local, regional and web-based forums. They will communicate their views and present recommendations to lawmakers. Youth created media will promote public support and encourage peers to become informed and active.

The I.D.E.A.L. process for informed and responsible civic engagement…

  • Investigate: Assess needs. Research and identify balanced information.
  • Deliberate: Deepened understanding of the issue. Consider the views and values of others. Weigh trade-offs and dialogue about options.
  • Evaluate: Reflect on information and values. Consider alternatives and common ground. Develop policy recommendations.
  • Advocate: Build partnerships. Inform and increase public support through media communications. Communicate views to lawmakers.
  • Lead: Share perspectives with others. Register and vote. Join a board or a committee. Follow the issue, Stay involved.

CYDA Strategy

  • Conduct Regional Forums (SF Bay Area, Sacramento & Fresno-Year one).
  • Each Forum topic applies the IDEAL process of informed engagement.
  • Provide a comprehensive web-based version of in-person Forums (information & dialogue) for students and classrooms statewide.
  • Convene a Youth Summit in Sacramento to meet with representatives, present policy recommendations, and discuss with peers future issues for focus.
  • Develop media messages to promote policy recommendations & youth participation.
Outcomes
  • Youth develop facility with IDEAL, engage civically in school and community and vote.
  • Teachers develop facility with IDEAL, and increase high quality practice.
  • Policymakers benefit from youth voice in public policy.
  • Organizations increase capacity to engage youth by using IDEAL.
CYDA Partners:

California Campus Compact , California Center for Civic Participation, Center for Multicultural Cooperation, Civic Mission of Schools Campaign, LegiSchool, Maddy Institute, National Center for Learning and Citizenship, National Conference of State Legislatures, WestEd, and Youth Development Youth Service California.

For more information contact: Laurie Maak, WestEd, or John Minkler, Center for Mulicultural Cooperation.