Books & Buckets Youth are more than just students and athletes, they are also change-makers. Thanks to our partners, sponsors, guest speakers, and volunteers our youth were given opportunities for others to hear their voices. Habitat LA, Statefarm, and Books & Buckets partnered this past summer to ignite Youth Advocacy in the Washington Neighborhood. The Youth Academy featured LBUSD School Boardmembers Miller and Benitez, Long Beach City Councilmember Zendejas, State Assemblymember O'Donnell, and Congressman Alan Lowenthal's Office. Our youth got the opportunity to interact with local, state, and federal government offices all in one summer. The youth learned who is representing them and how they can push forward the change they want to see. Here are a few youth advocacy actions that occurred this past summer:
3 Youth individually spoke at a Long Beach City Council Meeting
17 Youth wrote letters to Congressman Alan Lowenthal on what changes they would like to see in their neighborhood.
20 Youth met and spoke with State Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell
1 Youth Played 1-on-1 with State Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell
17 Youth met and spoke with 2 LBUSD School Boardmembers, Erik Miller & Juan Benitez, and 1 youth told them directly that he wants air conditioning at Washington Middle School.
19 Youth met, spoke with, and were given certificates from Long Beach City Councilwoman of District 1, Mary Zendejas
1 Youth spoke directly to the Parks and Rec Director on how he wants basketball courts at Seaside Park, which ignited the process for a request for one.
