Youth Speak Out Event Will Connect Teens and Local Leaders Saturday, April 8

The Santa Barbara Youth Council, a City advisory group designed to give teens a voice in local government, will host the 2023 Youth Speak Out this Saturday, April 8th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palm Park Beach House (236 E. Cabrillo Blvd.) The question-and-answer style forum will bring together teens and local leaders to cover youth-focused topics such as environmental justice, public safety, transportation and public spaces for teens, and ways to come together as a more inclusive and diverse community. Santa Barbara City Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez and a representative from the Santa Barbara Police Department are among the scheduled panel of speakers.

“We want to use our unique position as youth representatives in the city to create a bridge between our local government and teens in our community,” said Amelia Vander May, Youth Council Chair.

The Youth Speak Out is intended for teens interested in uplifting youth voices in their community. Attendees can meet other teen leaders and pose their questions to the panel of speakers. Light food and drink will be provided. Registration is encouraged. To register, visit bit.ly/401yQeC

The event is funded by a Youth Making Change Grant from The Fund for Santa Barbara. The Youth Council hopes the event will increase youth interest and engagement in city affairs.

For up-to-date information about the event and other Youth Council activities, follow @SantaBarbaraYouthCouncil on Instagram. Contact NMorgan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov with any questions.