About Us
Mission & Vision
California Youth Connection (CYC) is a youth-led* organization that develops and grows leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative and policy change.
Our vision is that youth impacted by child welfare and intersecting systems are empowered to have their needs met and the support to grow into healthy and vibrant adults.
[*CYC youth members lead the movement to improve the systems that impact their lives through local and statewide advocacy efforts. They also lead through partnering with the Board and Executive Director to set the organization’s priorities.]
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
Youth-led since its inception, California Youth Connection (CYC) empowers foster youth ages 14–24 to build leadership skills and forge supportive relationships while advocating for child welfare reforms that directly impact their lives. To build their skills, CYC members receive one-on-one support and mentoring, specialized training, and frequent opportunities to speak to policymakers, child welfare practitioners, other foster youth, and the general public.
Especially important to our authentic youth engagement and leadership model is the groundbreaking way in which CYC volunteer supporters collaborate with members. Supporters are the backbone of our volunteer base and provide support to member activities, including chapter and advisory board meetings, conferences, and local work. They provide stability in meeting place and structure, transportation, food for meetings, and other support by working in partnership with the members, with the youth leading the way.