Serena and Jayden, leaders from our Youth Organizing Long Beach Program (YOLB), reflect on on joining Mayor Rex Richardson’s Youth and Education Task Force. Together with our Executive Director, Lian Cheun and others selected to serve on the Leadership Committee, they planned his first 100 days in office which was addressed in the inaugural state of the city in January.
Working in the leadership committee was an exciting experience. It made me realize how many adults cared about young people and how many young people cared enough to speak out.
There were so many people who came from different backgrounds and hardships. And, it was eye-opening hearing their stories. It’s great that they could speak up and talk about their experiences. This way, youth in similar situations can get the support that they need.
Serena, Age 15
Program: Youth Organizing Long Beach (YOLB)For me, being in the leadership committee is best described as a moment of woke seeing those in the community all from different backgrounds and lives trying to figure out how to improve their environment for youth.
I long for Southeast Asian communities to get the funding they need so they can have real Khmer stores that aren’t placed in dangerous areas. In addition, house funding for Southeast Asians so we can live comfortably without worry of space and continue to grow and thrive in our community.
Jayden, Age 16
Program: Youth Organizing Long Beach (YOLB)
