by Marvin Ramirez
San Francisco high school students participate in press conference celebrating Youth Advocacy Day at City Hall. (PHOTO BY MARVIN RAMIREZ)
Several dozen high school students had a taste of leadership on Wednesday, April 6, when they were taken to meet government officials and city department heads, as part of a program sponsored by the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth & Families, designed to create youth leaders for the future.
The students from three San Francisco schools – Balboa, Washington and John O’Connell Highs – began their day at 9 a.m., travelling through various city departments. All San Francisco high schools were invited to participate at the Wednesday press conference, but only three responded to the invitation.
Holding a large banner that read, “Youth Advocacy Day, Bringing Youth Voice to City Politics,” the students stood proudly, while District Nine San Francisco Supervisor David Campos greeted them with a warm welcome from the podium. And they took their experience seriously.
“This was an utmost experience,” said one unidentified student leader who took the microphone during the press conference held on the stairs of San Francisco’s City Hall.
“All those who attended were able to meet the mayor, who emphasized to them the importance to staying in school and shared with them a personal story,” said Bryant Tan, a project coordinator.
“I strongly believe that youth should have a voice in policy-making,” said DCYF director María Su. This day gives city leaders a direct connection to youth, including some who have never stepped foot into City Hall.”
Key components of Youth Advocacy Day are the 15 Youth Warriors who will lead the entire day and help their peers determine their platforms to present to city officials, said a written statement from the youth organization. The Youth Warriors have participated in a six-month fellowship program preparing them to be leaders for this event, the second of what is planned to be an annual occurrence.
Participating offices included those of Mayor, Supervisors Mark Farrell, Jane Kim, Sean Elsbernd, Scott Wiener, David Campos, Malia Cohen and John Avalos. Participating city departments included DCYF, Recreation and Parks, Public Health, Municipal Transportation Agency, Police, Juvenile Probation, Library and Office of Environment.
