CKYC staff attended the California Asian Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advocacy Day in the California State Capitol on May 29, 2024, and met with state Assembly members and Senators on three critical issues affecting the AAPI communities. One important bill AAPI advocated for is SB 1078 (Min) Office of Language Access. This bill would establish the Office of Language Access within the California Health and Human Services Agency to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to government programs and services. The bill would require the Office of Language Access, commencing November 1, 2026, and every other year thereafter, to submit a report to the Legislature and the relevant policy committees that contains specific information, including challenges encountered while implementing Language Access Plans, lessons learned, best practices, and metrics regarding individuals with limited English proficiency who use agency services.

Last year, CKYC hosted its inaugural statewide Policy Competition, aimed at inspiring youth and young adults to actively engage in local, state, and national policy issues. By simulating the policy development process through mock competitions during the Annual Summer Leadership Conference, the event provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to explore real-world policy challenges. In 2024, the competition focused on three critical topics: Affordable Education, Affordable Health Care, and Homelessness. Each team, composed of 5-7 youth members, develops and presents innovative solutions to these societal issues, which are then evaluated by a panel of policymakers, advocates, and community leaders.

In November 2024, CKYC hosted an Election Voter Education Workshop designed to empower youth and the broader community with knowledge about their voting rights and responsibilities. The workshop covered key topics such as understanding ballot initiatives, the differences between general and primary elections, important deadlines, and how to navigate the election process. Sietse Goffard and Aashika Srinivas from the Voting Rights Program at the Asian Law Caucus facilitated the session. For many participants, it was their first time voting in the 2024 General Election, despite having been U.S. citizens for over a decade. Barriers such as language challenges and limited access to election information in their native languages had previously prevented them from casting their ballots. The workshop helped raise awareness about the electoral process, candidates, and ballot initiatives, ensuring that youth and community members were better equipped to make informed decisions in future elections.

Every summer, CKYC hosts its Annual Summer Leadership Conference, bringing together youth and young adults—from middle school students to college graduates—to continue developing their leadership skills. The conference also offers a unique platform for youth participants from across the state to connect with mentors, community leaders, and peers. It serves as a space to celebrate achievements, engage in meaningful discussions on social justice, and access resources for community engagement and advocacy. Our goal is to empower youth with the advocacy tools needed to address pressing social issues and contribute to impactful community projects. The conference features transformative workshops on topics such as leadership development, mental health, advocacy skills, Karen history, and policy competition, providing participants with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change.

In April 2024, CKYC hosted its inaugural Sexual Assault Awareness Month in collaboration with Lao Family Community Development Victim Services and the Oakland Police Department. The event aimed to educate and raise awareness among youth and the community about sexual assault, including how to report incidents, support victims, and actively work to prevent and stop such violence.

At the end of October every year, CKYC hosts its Annual Fall Conference for the organization’s Board, staff, and youth leaders across the state to further strengthen organizational development, leadership development, and develop organizational strategic plans. This fall conference provides a space for youth leaders to serve as delegates within their city to come together and voice their opinions and issues they want the organization to focus on. In 2023, we were honored to have Kathy Chao Rothberg, CEO of Lao Family Community Development, as our keynote speaker, and in 2024, we were honored to have Aaron Falk, President & CEO of Kern Community Foundation as our keynote speaker.