Youth Organizers Shape Public Policy

FAA youth organizers, in coalition with other youth and community advocates concerned about growing violence in our communities were successful last November 2008 in passing legislation in Oakland and Union City to setup after school violence prevention programs.

In Oakland nearly 80,000 voters passed Measure OO, which will fund after school programs that serve youth through leadership development, academic support, and community organizing. These after school programs have successfully kept children and youth off the streets, by offering resources and opportunities to the community.

In recent months, the Oakland City Council attempted to repeal the measure, or undermine the spirit of OO by limiting the dollar amount that would go to the intended purpose. They were using the City’s financial crisis to argue for re-directing funds generated by Measure OO to other city needs.

AYPAL mobilized over 70 youth along side dozens of parents, children, and community members for Measure OO. The original measure would increase funding to 3.5%, from 2.5% of the Oakland city budget. The threat of a full repeal of Measure OO motivated the community to protect resources for our youth, and mobilize to save our programming funds. After three City Council and one Financial Committee meetings, a compromise was finally met by a vote of 6-2 on March 31st. The City Council agreed to set aside 3% of

Oakland’s General Fund for the next twelve years for services and programs for children and youth. Young people can be proud of successfully defending the intent of Measure OO ! A major victory for all of Oakland...

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