Summary of 2021 Virtual Leadership Academy
March 4th – 6th, 2021
The 2021 Young Worker Leadership Academy looked a bit different this year, taking place virtually from March 4-6, 2021. Four teams were created by 17 youth across the state of California, each supported by a youth mentor and adult advisor. Through participation in the virtual academy and team meetings after the fact, students learned how to promote peer education for workplace rights, as well as ways to advocate for job safety. All four teams completed community action projects for Safe Jobs for Youth Month, which are detailed below:
Nava College Preparatory Academy
Project Collaboration: NCPA Advocacy Club
Location: South Los Angeles
Who we are:
– Our school Nava College Prep Academy is a Title 1 school located in South Los Angeles.
What we did:
– We conducted a training for students in our NCPA Advocacy Club that included an activity on identifying hazards, a discussion of worker rights and responsibilities, and a culminating Kahoot activity.
What worked:
– It worked that our group was already involved in a club and that students had experience facilitating.
“Through the Young Worker Leadership Academy, I have learned so much about my rights in the workplace. Personally, this workshop could not have come at a better time because I recently started working. Everything I learned in the academy has helped me become a safe teen worker and be able to recognize hazards and how to respond quickly. Without this program, I would not be so inclined to watch for hazards or follow proper cleaning procedures. – Nava College Preparatory Academy youth participant
John R. Wooden High School
Team Name: Wooden Work
Project Name: What you need to know about sexual harassment in the workplace
Location: Reseda, CA
Who we are:
– We are a group of 5 young women from John R. Wooden High School. We are located in Reseda, CA in the San Fernando Valley, which is 20 minutes outside of Los Angeles.
What we did:
– The way we were able to promote young worker health and safety in our community was by raising awareness on sexual harassment in the workplace. We decided to make a short animation film to be shown across the district. Our film is for Cleveland Community of schools, students, parents, administrators and community partners. We also included some resources. We are dedicated to continuing to raise awareness on sexual harassment and to show across LAUSD. We are also planning to present a town hall in person in Fall of 2021.
“What I learned along the way while being in the Young Workers Leadership Academy is that first and foremost I have rights. I never knew nor thought about it till now. Anything can happen at any job you choose. You have to be a fast thinker and fast problem solver. You have to react fast on your situation before it’s too late. Always remember people, it can be strangers that’ll have your back and help you out if you look in the right direction.” – John R. Wooden youth participant
“I learned the importance of safety when being on a job… and what to do and what not to do when a situation occurs.” – John R. Wooden youth participant
North Monterey County High School
Project name: Senior Workforce Initiative
Location: Castroville, CA
Who we are:
– We are five students at North Monterey County High School located in the small agricultural community of Castroville, CA.
What we did:
– Our team was able to use PowerPoint slides in order to teach our high school’s seniors about workplace safety. We were able to include the resources provided to us by YWLA in our presentation. This event was two days long. The first day included our presentation, which around 50 seniors attended. The second day contained a workplace safety Kahoot (Top 3 winners got a gift card), which around 30 seniors attended.
“Being able to participate in YWLA gave me the opportunity to understand the types of protections young workers have inside and outside the workplace and how not knowing these protections can potentially harm their lives.” – North Monterey County High School youth participant
“Going through this experience taught me that I have a voice and that I should use it and speak up for myself.” – North Monterey County High School youth participant
Pueblo Unido
Project Name: KYR ECVW – Know Your Rights Eastern Coachella Valley Workers
Location: Eastern Coachella Valley
Who we are:
– Pueblo Unido CDC is a local 501 C3 nonprofit in the Eastern Coachella Valley. Part of the mission of the organization is to build community capacity – this includes the youth, the largest age group in our population. The ECV Pueblo Unido group participated in the ECV Leadership Institute and training program hosted by Pueblo Unido in 2020 which served to provide the participants with tools to become active leaders in their community and advocate for the needs of their community.
What we did:
– The group decided to create a webpage where young people can find different resources. To determine specific resources needed in the community, a survey was developed. Along with resources, there is information on the composition of the local economy. The purpose of doing this was to provide intentional resources that serve the community. The website targets young individuals and serves as some sort of hub, as well.
What worked:
– Since the webpage can be access by through a link it can be accessible as long as the link continues to be shared. Putting together the survey provided the group with direction for the second part of the project. Another thing that worked well was that the group was able to use information that they had seen and worked on during a past leadership program.
“It is essential to understand and take into account the rights and services we as workers have in order to have a safe and productive environment.” – Pueblo Unido youth participant
“The young worker leadership academy informed me about the rights that young workers have in the workplace along with what to do in case of mistreatment etc. This is a great experience for the youth as many of us plan to work one day and may not be able to recognize when things are wrong in their workplace.” – Pueblo Unido youth participant
