Dear Youth Leadership Institute Community: I’m writing today to announce an important leadership transition at the Youth Leadership Institute. After four years of committed service as our CEO, Jon Marker … Continued
Dear Friends: The month of June marks a transition at Youth Leadership Institute as our programs wind down a year of campaigns, events and youth voice across California. Today, I … Continued
I was born in Chilpancingo, the capital of the state of Guerrero, México on a clear Saturday afternoon in October. But the story of my birth begins on Thursday, when my mom started having contractions and thought she was ready to give birth.
Last week, BLING grantmakers distributed $65,000 to 13 youth-led projects addressing issues that face San Francisco youth, such as sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, homelessness, and more.
I had always wanted a grand, meaningful story behind my naming. But the simplicity and mystery in this story has given me the freedom to write my own story.
In the process of building with my YLI group, I started to realize how important it is for the community to know about the issues – to be aware of what is going on around them. They need to know what exactly city council is deciding for us, the overall community. In order to raise awareness, we’re planning the Housing, Immigration, and Substance Abuse (H.I.S.) Freedom Gallery Exhibit to take place on June 7th at Pilarcitos High School.
My mother named me Alhelí. On google images, an Alhelí ranges from a small four-petaled flower, similar to Hawaii’s plumeria, to a bunch of small flowers growing up a stem, similar to lavender but fuller. I don’t think I have ever seen one in real life and because of that, I find myself stopping at almost every flower I see, wondering, “Could you be an Alhelí?”
Calafia is YLIs statewide youth policy journal that amplifies the narratives of young people on topics and issue areas important to them and their communities. Each year, one Calafia Fellow is selected from each YLI office to identify the issue’s theme and write the stories. This year’s Calafia Fellows are an exceptional bunch. Here are their stories:
