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| As a nonprofit, nonpartisan program, our mission is to engage youth in the democratic process by using sound youth development principles. This is accomplished by providing opportunities for middle and high school youth to participate in civic education, leadership, and service programs that directly connect to local, state, and federal issues. The California Center, established in 1971, is a recognized leader in democracy education for youth. We strive to engage youth in the democratic process and encourage their healthy social, physical, and mental development. Through our programs, thousands of young people become involved in public issues affecting their communities, cities, and state. Participants develop enthusiasm for the democratic process, along with the balanced knowledge, confidence and skills necessary to become effective participants in that process. California Center programs are distinguished by our inclusion of an ethnic, geographic, and socio-economic cross-section of young people. We encourage youth who are considered "at risk" to participate in our programs, and welcome youth who might not ordinarily receive the opportunity to participate in a youth leadership capacity. We are not an "advocacy" organization. We are not affiliated with a particular interest group or political party, and we do not take or suggest positions on issues. Instead, the California Center encourages independent thought by providing young people with facts, balanced debates, and the opportunity to glean information for themselves through developing and implementing surveys, forums, and panel discussions. In addition to making informed decisions on today's issues, our students gain the skills to thoughtfully assess the social questions of tomorrow.
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