The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP) celebrated its 30^th Anniversary hosting 120 high school student leaders from throughout California in a weeklong training program with the primary goal of preparing them to participate in California’s economic, social, and political development.   The 30^th Anniversary of the CLYLP is taking place at a crucial time for students in the state’s history.  In the midst of continuing budget cuts to California schools, colleges, and universities the students quickly understand they must be active participants in finding solutions to the top issues California faces today.  

 

During the rigorous week students met with state policymakers, attended workshops and presentations offered by leaders from an array of professions including education, government, non-profit, private sector, and the arts.  The students met and interacted with Chicano movement luminaries such as Sal Castro, Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, and Dolores Huerta.

 

Students also met elected state leaders such as Speaker of the Assembly John A. Pérez, Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes, and Senator Kevin De Leon to name but a few.  Thanks to significant volunteer support from the California Latino Capitol Association, students were prepared for and participated in mock legislative hearings in committee rooms and a mock floor session in the State of California Assembly chambers.

 

“We have learned the skills we need in order to succeed in life and become California’s future leaders,” said Kimberly Ochoa a rising senior from Ceres California.   “The Sacramento Leadership Conference is an opportunity to cover the key legislative issues facing our state from a student’s perspective. 

 

Ms. Ochoa embodies the hopes and dreams the founders of the CLYLP had during their first “exploratory” meeting in January 1982.  The meeting was convened and hosted by Maria Chairez to explore the possibilities of creating a program where students could receive leadership training, learn about the legislative process and the role of government in order to prepare students to become “California’s Future Leaders”.  For six months community leaders from the Sacramento region like: Roberto Gracia, Bill Chavez, Jimmy Benavides, Manuel Ruedas and Juvencia Romo, met over coffee and pan dulce in each others homes brainstorming the conference concept now known as CLYLP.   From June 15^th – 19^th 1982, eighty students attended the first CLYLP conference focusing on “The Four C’s”:  College, Careers, Community, and Culture. 

 

“It is clear our founders and volunteers have created a program that works.  I am proud to be part of CLYLP’s leadership in its 30^th year, as our organization inspires and mentors the leaders of tomorrow,” said Norma Dominguez, President of CLYLP’s Board of Directors. “I’m confident the CLYLP will continue to provide California’s students leadership opportunities, encourage their personal and career goals, and make them forever a part of the CLYLP family.”

 

It is important to note – various alumni of CLYLP have either served, or are currently serving, on the CLYLP board of directors.  In fact, the immediate past president Max Espinoza (’92) and current president Norma Dominguez (’96) are CLYLP alumni.

 

The CLYLP continues to be, as it was established, a 100% volunteer organization with hundreds of volunteers from throughout California dedicating over 25,000 volunteer hours to implement CLYLP programs each year.  In additional to the annual Sacramento Leadership Conference, CLYLP also organizes two other annual youth conferences:  The San Joaquin Valley Institute, at Fresno Pacific University, and the Los Angeles Institute, at UCLA.  Also taking place this summer is the 3^rd Annual CLYLP Comcast State Capitol Fellowship, where six CLYLP alumni are placed in a 4-week paid internship in a state legislative office combined with a rigorous leadership-training program.   

 

Since 1982 more than 3,700 students have participated in one of CLYLP’s leadership development programs with more than 90% of them continuing onto college.  For 30 years CLYLP Alumni have continued to shape California’s government, non-profit, and private sectors. 

 

“It’s because of CLYLP that I am a student at Pomona College today.  Because of CLYLP I will attend law school after I graduate next year.  The friends I have made since attending the program in 2008 have inspired and supported me as I have pursued my dreams,” said Kathy Garcia a 2008 CLYLP alumnus, 2010 peer counselor, 2011 Comcast Capitol Fellow, and 2012 Sacramento program volunteer.  

Ms. Garcia’s commitment to CLYLP reflects the culture of volunteerism instilled in the students.  As an all-volunteer run organization – every $1 makes a difference.   Last Friday, the CLYLP honored 30 years of accomplishments and positioned the organization for another 30 years of success.  Past CLYLP presidents Josefina Canchola and Brian Rivas are leading the 30th Anniversary Fundraising Challenge with the goal of raising $30,000.  CLYLP is seeking alumni, friends and supporters to make an investment in California’s youth in honor of CLYLP’s history of success.

“The CLYLP is about connecting with our humanity.  The humanity within ourselves and our families in order to create a better world,” concluded Kimberly Ochoa. 

 

 

To learn more about the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project visit: clylp.org

 

Pablo Rodriguez