2006 SAC Conference

VOICE, Values of Informed Civic Engagement

On May 13th, 2006, my Student Advisory Council (SAC) sponsored a youth conference for over 200 students and parents at San Jose City College. VOICE, Values of Informed Civic Engagement, addressed contemporary teen issues and encouraged community involvement among teens. The conference was organized and presented by SAC which is made up of student representatives from high schools in the 15th Congressional District of California.

Conference panelists included former Ms. San Jose, Laura Johnston, Alistair Grant, Robert Robison, and George Bayuga.  Panelists shared their experiences and struggles with issues like substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual assault and being openly gay.  Attendees were invited to ask the panelists questions about their experiences and how they dealt with issues like peer pressure, acceptance and recovery.

NFL Hall of Famer and former San Francisco 49er, Ronnie Lott, addressed the students on the importance of volunteerism. Lott shared with the students why and how he has chosen to give back to his community through his foundation All Stars Helping Kids. Local attorney, Kevin Hammon shared his experience of volunteering to help Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. Finally, I spoke to the students about activism and how my experiences in the Peace Corp and growing up helped to shape my career in public service.

Following the conference, participants enjoyed a delicious BBQ prepared by the Santa Clara County Retired Firefighters and were able to network with over a dozen local community organizations.  Students were able to meet with and learn about local community organizations through which they might volunteer.  The event was a huge success in that Bay Area high school students were able to connect with young adults and adult peers on issues of importance and better gauge how they too could contribute to their community.