California Youth Connection (CYC)
California Youth Connection (CYC) trains California youth who have experienced foster care to work to improve foster care policy and practice. CYC provides opportunities for youth to engage in outreach, organizing, community education and advocacy.
CYC youth gain skills in public speaking, communications and advocacy, as well as a sophisticated understanding of government and civic participation.
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“CYC is more than advocacy for a better foster care system, it’s a Ohana!”
“What’s most special to me about CYC is what the name says: California Youth Connection. The connections that I’ve made with the other youth have been amazing. They don’t make assumptions about me. They really support me and push me to go further. CYC encourages me to look outside of where I’ve been.”
“CYC’s leadership of youth, staff, and the board bring together a powerful force for systems transformation for young people. Bringing love to the center of what our children need and deserve when the state intervenes is a calling. We combine political education with life experiences to form policy, practice, and legislative change that forms a community of peers who thrive.”
