AES is governed by a Board of Directors which, according to the Bylaws, consists of an equal number of youth and adult directors. Consistent with our mission and values, the Board, along with our programs and initiatives, is cross-cultural and cross-generational.
Youth, through many forums, have clearly identified the issues they are facing. These include the struggle for survival that comes with homelessness, hunger, violence, drugs and alcohol, family problems, and mental health issues (The Recommendations to Increase Opportunity and Decrease Poverty in America at www.YouthBuild.org/NCYL). Young people's opportunities for success are directly impacted by school culture and climate within the Education System and by the Criminal Justice System.
Just as youth have identified their issues, they have also identified solutions to address them. Our role is to support and work with them in becoming problem-solvers and change agents. We get youth to the decision-making tables to be a part of cross-generational, cross-cultural conversations to solve problems, address specific issues and work towards systemic change.
AES has worked with youth, parents, communities, organizations and educational institutions for close to 30 years. During this time, we have provided a range of services and programs, including cultural competency training for adults/staff, working with parents and community groups around specific issues, training students to empower their voice around youth issues, and developing mentoring programs. We remain flexible and able to pursue new, sometimes innovative, opportunities that align with our mission. While our programs and initiatives have, to date, been primarily targeted in the Sacramento and Chico areas, they are intended to be replicable and affect change on both the state and national level.