Clarissa Laguardia, CA Center for Civic Participation

About California Center for Civic Participation

The California Center for Civic Participation (CalCenter) was founded in 1981. Since then, the organization has focused on empowering youth in the political process and launching its flagship program, Capitol Focus, which ran for 29 years. CalCenter has developed diverse civic education programs that engage youth in meaningful political and policy activities, inspiring them to participate in democracy. The organization seeks to expand youth leadership programs, preparing young people to tackle community challenges and work collaboratively to drive change. These initiatives address critical issues like mental health, sustainability, equal access to healthcare, and other equity and justice issues. Over the years, CalCenter has built strong partnerships with policymakers, community organizations, and sponsors to amplify the voices of California teens. 

Clarissa Laguardia headshot open_in_full

Their programs have reached thousands of CA youth. These free educational programs have worked to demystify policy and empower youth to create meaningful change.

Looking ahead, CalCenter aims to expand opportunities for youth civic leadership across California communities but with great emphasis in serving historically marginalized and oppressed groups. They are energized to activate, educate and mobilize youth to shape their own future. This means sparking their interest in civics (community engagement), sharing information and resources that youth need to engage, and inspire and create opportunities for youth to take meaningful action. Parting from traditional views on civic participation, they define engagement as anything you do to improve your community.

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