The Fund for Santa Barbara has announced Santa Barbara Youth Council as one of six organizations in 2024 to receive the South County Youth Making Change Grant, awarded annually to support youth-led projects impacting young people in Santa Barbara County.

The Youth Council, a city of Santa Barbara advisory committee created to give local teens a voice in local government, will use the awarded funding to host the 2024 Youth Speak Out.

The annual workshop is designed to encourage teens to advocate for positive changes in the community. This year’s event will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at Palm Park Beach House, 236 E. Cabrillo Blvd.

Topics will include public safety, environmentally conscious practices, mental health resources, and how teens can take a more active role in local government.

“The 2024 Youth Speak Out will facilitate proactive dialogue between young people, highlighting the youth perspective on local issues and creating a foundation for change in Santa Barbara,” said Amelia Vander May, a member of the Youth Council.
 

The roundtable-style workshop brings together teens and local leaders to help youth play a direct role in the issues most impacting them. 

At the 2023 event, several local teens voiced their concerns over gun violence and safety. This prompted the Youth Council to draft a safe firearm storage ordinance that has reached discussion with the City Council.

“The teens who attend the event will have a safe environment to share their perspectives while expanding their views and understanding by listening to others,” said Anastasia Li, vice chair.
 
For updated event information, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SpeakOut.
 

Established in 1994, the Santa Barbara Youth Council is a 15-member group of teens, ages 13-19.Each serves a two-year term, advancing youth issues while gaining experience giving back to the community and participating in the public process.
 
In addition to organizing educational and community-minded events, the Youth Council advocates collaboration among the many local agencies and organizations with youth-oriented missions; promotes youth participation and interest in local issues; and can make recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Santa Barbara City Council on issues and policies affecting local youth and teens.
 
Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/YouthCouncil for more.