Women in Politics (WIP) is a three-day summer institute for young women from the Sacramento region. Participants get a first-hand look at the workings of state politics, focusing on issues affecting women and their communities.
Our presence in Sacramento and our lasting relationships with the players in state politics allow us to offer a unique experience to young women. We have access to a rich pool of supporters who lend their expertise to our programs – more than forty women, including liberals, moderates, and conservatives, volunteer their time to share information and perspectives. WIP provides an opportunity for young women to meet the people who represent them at the state capitol, and to witness first-hand the importance of women’s participation in the political process.
Avenues to Civic Action is a student-driven civics education program that gives young people tools and space to explore their own relationship and responsibility to their communities. Through a year-long cohort they practice participating in society where they see themselves best fit to make an impact. Students will experience their unique power and deeply know they are an active and integral part of collective change.
Don’t be surprised if you see our youth speaking at a city council meeting or getting your friends and family registered to vote! Check out some students' finished Social Action Projects HERE!
"Children, after all, are not just adults-in-the-making. They are people whose current needs and rights and experiences must be taken seriously."
- Alfie Kohn
Program Schedule & Topics for Fall
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Introduction + Seeds of Consciousness
Community Building + Accountability
Navigating Identities + Power Dynamics
Self-Care + Relationship Building
Good Conflict
Media + News Literacy
Student-led Discussion
Social Movements + Activism
Voting + Advocacy
Prep for Idea Open Mic in Spring!
Questions?
Don't just take our word for it! Check out this youth testimonial created for CalCenter by the youth!
The schedule above gives you a glimpse of the various topics we'll be discussing. These topics were chosen carefully by our staff to ensure that participants get a good overall idea of what it means to be a civically active, engaged and empowered young person with the skills to improve our systems and institutions. We explore ways youth can make change through their own daily decisions and empower themselves to take even bigger steps towards their most ambitious social justice goals.