California Youth Agenda Conference

The inaugural California Youth Agenda Conference is a convening designed by and for young people about climate change, mental health education, and reproductive rights. These issues were identified as being of top concern by 200 students throughout California who responded to our Youth Issues Survey in the fall of 2024.

Led by our Youth Advisory Committee, this half-day conference will feature inspirational keynote speakers, interactive sessions with expert panelists, and opportunities for students to network and collaborate. We will also be hosting an Action Lounge that will feature organizations and groups focused on youth empowerment, climate change, reproductive rights, and mental health education. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the important work these groups are doing and how they can get involved during lunch and break times!

Keynote speakers:
Brianna Mullen, Founder of Education Justice Academy
Chris Badillo, Program Director of Education Justice Academy

Break-out rooms
Powering Change: Renewable Energy & Climate Action

• Mina Fedor, YAC member, Junior at The College Preparatory School (Moderator)
• Finn Does, organizer, environmental educator, and student at UC Berkeley
• June Choi, PhD candidate in Earth System Science at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

Embracing Vulnerability: Building Emotional Strength

• Mimi Tuden, YAC member, Junior at Berkeley High School (Moderator)
• Chris Medina, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Camphortree Healing Collective
• Antonio Hernandez, President of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Education

Breaking Barriers: Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health

• Charley Matthews, YAC member, Junior at Miramonte High School (Moderator)
• Stacy Cross, CEO of Planned Parenthood, Mar Monte
• Yevanit Reschechtko, Senior Associate Communications Director at Ibis Reproductive Health

Please note that this event is for high school and middle school students. For any questions, please reach out via email.

This program is part of Creating Citizens, the civics education initiative at Commonwealth Club World Affairs.