Youth Empowerment Program

What Have They Accomplished in the Past?

It's easy to say that it's a wonderful thing for young people to go before their congressional representatives and present new ideas for public policy. But some may think this is more hype than hope, that these kids really don't stand any chance of convincing those in high places to listen to them.

But in the past, YEP kids have proven the skeptics wrong.

In 2009, the Seattle YEP delegates met with Rep. Jim McDermott to express their support for the Youth Promise Act, World Vision's endorsed legislation that addresses the issue of youth violence prevention. With some 2,500 proposals before the House of Representatives, Rep. McDermott had not heard of the bill until his meeting with the YEP delegates. After listening to their pitch, he was so impressed that he investigated the bill--and co-signed it the very next day. The Youth Promise Act passed by a 17 to 14 vote in the House Judiciary Committee. Unfortunately, the bill expired in the Senate and has to be re-introduced.

In 2009, Chicago delegates met with a legislative aide for Rep. Bobby Rush, who shared information with them on the "CAN DO Act." This youth violence prevention legislation addresses the same issues these YEP delegates shared in their policy recommendation: increased job opportunities for youth, better after-school opportunities, and tighter gun laws. Rep. Rush invited the Chicago YEP delegates to assist with advocating the bill at the local level.

And in 2008, New York delegates impressed Rep. Jose Serrano with their recommendation that would require teen parents to take parenting classes in an effort to reduce violence and improve home life of young people in their community. New York YEP delegates continued to follow up with Rep. Serrano's district office to further develop their proposals. In 2009 and 2010, these youth turned their focus on the issue of teen pregnancy, launching a successful advocacy campaign designed to educate the public on teen pregnancy.

The visits with their congressional representatives are life-altering experiences for young people in YEP. "I never saw myself as having this opportunity," said Bria, a program participant. "I feel empowered. It made me realize I have a voice and I can use it to change my environment and life for the better."