Youth Candidate Forum
San Diego Public Library, Calif.
Innovation Synopsis
The San Diego Public Library partnered with the San Diego Public Defender Youth Council to host a Youth Candidate Forum lead by community youth. The forum brought young people to the election conversation where they used their voices to ask questions to local political candidates on issues that were important to them.
Challenge/Opportunity
Young people play a critical role in their community and educators and community leaders play a vital role in supporting the success of youth, while elected officials make significant decisions about investment in youth. This forum offered a civic engagement opportunity to bring forth the voice of youth and allow them to lead the discussion with candidates that represent their communities and influence the political platform that directly impacts their generation.
Key Elements of Innovation
The forum engaged over 160 youth in an event with four local candidates. Youth lead the program by asking important questions that included concerns about global warming, people affected by homelessness, education, citizenship, mental health resources, violence and equitable access. Youth were able to present questions from their peers across local high schools. Teens from local schools submitted 149 questions and 30 were presented at the event. At a closing reception, youth were able to engage one-on-one with the candidates.
Achieved Outcomes
The Youth Candidate Forum met its main goals:
- Provide a civic engagement opportunity for youth and create an atmosphere of teen civic participation
- Give youth a voice for their generation to be represented in political decision making
- Provide a leadership opportunity for youth across the city
