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About CalCenter

YOUTH
HOLDS
POWER

The California Center for Civic Participation is a non-profit civic education organization that engages young people by sparking their interest with exposure to real excitement of the democratic process.

We believe that youth hold so much untapped power to change
their communities, and we exist to expose and nurture that power.

Youth are a force for transformative change.

Through our programs, hundreds of young people across the state have become active players in the public policies affecting their communities. In addition to making informed decisions on today’s issues, youth gain the skills, tools, and resources to thoughtfully assess the questions of tomorrow. Our approach to civic participation centers youth voices, demystifies the civic process, and equips and connects youth with opportunities to create impactful change in their communities. Young people leave our programs more motivated, better informed, and ready to take meaningful civic action in their everyday lives.

Young people leave our programs more motivated, better informed, and ready to take meaningful
civic action in their everyday lives.

Our Story

Since 1981, we've been supporting young people in learning about, responding to, and acting in the political process.

Our Staff & Board

CalCenter staff and directors support youth as they identify and tackle challenges in their own communities and work with peers and adults to affect changes

Our Sponsors

Thank you to an amazing group of sponsors that support and grow our work to engage youth in our democracy.

Our Mission, Vision, & Values

In 2024, we adopted a new mission, vision, and values to lead us in the next era of CalCenter.

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