By: Natalie Godinez

On Tuesday, November 26, Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez held a press conference alongside Invest in Youth Coalition members and the community, in support of the implementation of LA’s first Youth Development Department Task Force, that had been delayed for months. Later that morning, the Invest in Youth Coalition attended an Economic Development hearing at Los Angeles City Hall to give public comment about the delay in commencing the Youth Development Task Force; despite it having been introduced by LA City Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez (CD7) and Jose Huizar (CD14) and approved by LA City Council last spring.

At the November 26th hearing, the Invest in Youth Coalition advocated for amendments to the Task Force Motion, such as extending the age of the Youth Task Force members from 16-19 to 16-24, which is the age range that the Invest in Youth Campaign has defined as youth. Over 20 speakers in attendance at the hearing advocated for the Task Force to be representative of the Invest in Youth campaign membership, as well as for inclusion of youth representatives of Indigenous, LGBTQ+ and Black communities. The speakers included Social Justice Interns from LegacyLA, LA-based parents of youth and the Invest in Youth Coalition members such as SHG, Gr818ers, Pacoima Beautiful, SFV LGBT Center, Changeist, Casa 0101 and Legacy LA. 

The members of the Economic Development Committee reviewed the proposed amendments and only supported the recommendation to extend the age of the Task Force Youth Members at this time. The item was passed unanimously by LA’s City Council on December 11, 2019. The Youth Development Department Task Force will determine the strategy that the City of LA will take in shaping the proposed Youth Development Department. Learn more about the Invest In Youth Campaign and follow @investinyouthco on Instagram and Twitter. 

Natalie Godinez is Self Help Graphics & Art’s Community Engagement Coordinator.