Improving the Life Chances of Vulnerable Youth
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Dear AES Friends and Family,
As I watch the world unfold before me, I am more committed than I have ever been to help the next generation of young people use their voice for change. It is by far the most important thing that I can do to be a part of the solution. Additionally, I am very thankful that we have so many committed people that support the mission and vision of AES. Thank you to our volunteers, adult mentors and allies, donors, and partners. Thank you for inspiring me to continue to fight for change. Let's continue in this important work together - changing lives one young person at a time.
- CC Carter, AES Executive Director
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FLAME Program Empowers Women and Girls
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SYA-CAT Advocates at the Capitol
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In June, several of our
Sacramento Youth Alliance-Community Action Team (SYA-CAT
)
members received a personal tour of the State Capitol from AES Board Member and Legislative Staffer Deanna. For many of our youth, it was their first time visiting the Capitol despite growing up in Sacramento. SYA-CAT members met and discussed youth issues and legislation with Senator Pan, Assemblymember McCarty, Senator Beall, and many Legislative Staffers. As shared by SYA Coordinator Erica, "One of the greatest memories from this day was when we were able to sit down with Estevan, who is a Legislative Aide for Senator Beall. Estevan was an adult mentor for our second cohort of the Davitto Leadership Academy. SYA youth were so excited to see him in his work environment and to see all that he does in the Capitol."
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AES Engages Youth in Juvenile Hall
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In July, Program Coordinator Ana facilitated a youth empowerment program for 14 young men at the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall. The workshop encouraged participants to envision youth empowerment and create their own reality. Participants were asked to complete the statement, "My vision of a world that works for me is..." One participant shared, "My vision of the world that works for me is being able to help people when they're struggling, like mothers, fathers, children, and people who are homeless. I want to show people a better world than what it is today. Freedom, peace, joy, and happiness, not depression or anger." This young man then shared his original rap songs about bettering himself, his reality, and those around him. As shared by Ana, "Through this experience, I found that even the most marginalized group of youth still long for and need motivation, support, and hope."
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SYA Takes Action to Improve Youth-Police Relations
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At the
Breaking the Chains Youth Summit
last March, young people identified three main areas of concern: police relations, mental health, and education equity. As a result, our SYA-CAT set their priorities and efforts towards working to empower youth voice to positively impact these issues.
This month, AES staff, including SYA Coordinator Erica, met with Sacramento Police Chief Han to begin discussing how AES youth and the police department can partner to improve youth and police relations. In October, AES will host a Purpose Beyond Policing event in partnership with the police department and other non-profits that support youth. As shared by Erica, "Together, we are working to create a space where both youth and police can come together to have productive discussions towards solution-based efforts. This is the beginning of continuous efforts to help create trust that can lead to systemic change."
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AES Partners to Support Youth of Color
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Youth Spotlight: From DLA to College - Brian Makes Impact
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As a participant in the
Davitto Leadership Academy (DLA)
, Brian focused his passion project on creating healthy food options for youth, especially within schools. This past spring, Brian graduated from both Level 3 of the DLA and Natomas High School. While preparing to start as a first-year at CSU, San Francisco this fall, Brian spent his summer interning in Senator Pan's office at the Capitol. As shared by Brian, "Working for Senator Pan's Office was an amazing experience. Learning how to function in the professional world and working with politics has enlightened me in many ways." We can't wait to see how you continue to change the world Brian!
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Volunteers are the Heart of AES
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Join Us for Volunteer Connect
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Are you ready to volunteer and join the AES family? Join us at an upcoming Volunteer Connect to meet other volunteers and learn about volunteer opportunities. Click the button below to learn more.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Maikhou Thao
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Maikhou is an AES Champion! She volunteers, donates, and advocates for AES youth. She is proof that once you join the AES family, you are always family! While in college, Maikhou joined AES as a
Pipeline to College
Mentor. After graduation, she served as AES' Administrative Assistant before moving into her current professional role. Maikhou continues to connect with AES and volunteer her time
with the
Females Leading a Mission of Empowerment (FLAME)
program. As shared by Maikhou, "
I volunteer because I see a need to create spaces where women, and especially Women of Color, are able to seek knowledge, guidance, and understanding of how we can all collectively support and empower each other to be the best people we can be toward building a healthier and sustainable future for our community."
Thank you Maikhou for being an AES Champion!
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Connect with AES this Fall!
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Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events!
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Support AES By Shopping AmazonSmile
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