Throughout this guide ILG references sources to learn more about
youth engagement, workforce development and key takeaways for
local government agency staff and officials. Additional
resources, tools, examples and funding opportunities are
offered in this section.
Youth Development
Resources
Engagement, Communications and Marketing Resources
Addressing Racism & Achieving Equity
2020 highlighted the systemic inequities impacting members of the
BIPOC community and the historically disenfranchised. There
is a huge opportunity for local agencies to engage with residents
about these topics and there is a growing pool of resources from
the state and philanthropic sector to address systemic racism and
advance equity. Materials below link to organizations
providing resources that can be used by local agencies to plan or
implement anti-racism programs. Consider engaging an agency
colleague who works on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and if one
is not available a local community-based organization may be able
to support your agency’s approach.
Achieving equity requires an intentional approach, with a clear
commitment to foster institutional change, improve trust and
communication with under-resourced and disenfranchised
communities, and comfort with shifting decision-making to empower
communities. Resources listed below help provide examples of on
how local agencies can begin to achieve equity, and demonstrate
how the journey and success will be as unique as the
community.
- Anti-Racism & Equity Resources:
Examples of Agency Outreach to Youth
Funding Opportunities
Finding Funding For Youth Programs
Funding, or lack thereof, is often cited as a barrier to youth
engagement. Many youth programs are typically funded by cities,
counties and special districts in a variety of ways. Common
sources of funding include general fund dollars, specific tax
measures or assessments, government and private sector grants and
in-kind contributions from private and non-profit sector
partners.
Workforce programs for young people may also receive support
through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) through a
local Workforce Development Board. California has 45 local
workforce boards that staff and support youth workforce
programs. For a full list of offices and their websites,
visit the
California Workforce Development Board’s website.
Federal and state workforce dollars are often focused on
opportunity youth or out-of-school youth that need supports and
services to enter the job market. To support youth that have been
system-involved, consider seeking support from county or state
agencies connected to foster youth, court-involved young people
or the county office of educations court and community school
students.
Civic engagement and youth leadership programs are often
supported through general fund or special youth measures passed
by communities. While not all communities have a youth leadership
program at the city, county or special district level, those that
do often focus on out-of-school experiences (after-school and
summer) or limited activities that engage local school partners.
Local governments can collaborate with private sector,
community-based organizations and other agencies to create youth
leadership programs.
Potential Funding Sources
