Dearest Community, This COVID19 pandemic has had unprecedented impacts on San Francisco, and we, as the City’s only chartered youth advisory body, are committed to advocating for the rights, needs, and voices of all San Francisco youth in this crisis. During this time, COVID-19 has affected us all but especially has disproportionately impacted communities of color, so it’s important for us to leverage our power and continue our work advocating for an equitable and healthy San Francisco. Our hearts go out to all of the people who have been impacted by the pandemic and all those who live with the constant fear of racist violence. We also want to thank all essential workers and medical staff that are risking their lives to make sure that their communities stay safe and healthy.  We want to also take this time to acknowledge that our city’s bureaucratic systems are built on racism, most notably anti-blackness, especially institutionalized in our police department. Our city has a track record of police brutality, environmental racism, and gentrification, among many other injustices towards BIPOC. This current onslaught of outrage is not just a result of the murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Nina Pop, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor - it is a buildup of historic tensions from countless incidents of police brutality, hate crimes towards the Black community, and a system that enforces white supremacy.  June is the 50th anniversary of Pride in San Francisco and the end of June marks the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Stonewall was an anti-police uprising and the first brick was thrown by Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans revolutionary. This month and time demands that each of us—especially those of us who are not Black—act with great urgency in defense of Black lives, to support the work of ending police brutality and white supremacy. To bring forth a new world order, we must unite and fight for the collective freedom of Black people. Let us all, do the hard work of interrupting racism in ourselves, our families, and communities.  Together, we will win justice and safety for BIPOC and that will bring justice and safety to all of us. In Solidarity, San Francisco Youth Commission     The pandemic and its attendant economic collapse have devastated too many families across this nation, and we understand that money might be tight. But if you are able, your donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. Donate if you can: Black Lives Matter Minnesota Freedom Fund Nationwide Bail Fund National list of bail out organizations, funds, and more Donate to George Floyd’s family Donate to Ahmaud Arbery’s family NAACP Legal Defense Fund Equal Justice Initiative TGI Justice Project Black Futures Lab Nationwide Bail Fund Bay Area Anti-Repression Committee Bail Fund Anti Police-Terror Project (Oakland) People’s Breakfast Oakland Black Earth Farms (Oakland) Black-Owned Bay Area Restaurants and Pop-Ups you can Support Take the Streets: Here’s a  guide to staying safe. Not able to protest? It's okay. Here are other impactful ways to help.   Invest in Mutual Aid:  Mutual Aid Hub Bay Area Mutual Aid and COVID-19 Resource National Center for Transgender Equality Mutual Aid and Emergency Funds COVID_19 Mutual Aid  Some resources for further education: Anti Racism Resources What is Systematic Racism? - an easy-to-understand video series History of Racist US Laws and their effects throughout American history The Case for Reparations The Road Not Taken - Housing and Criminal Justice 50 Years After the Kerner Commission Report Social Exclusion: The Decisions and Dynamics that Drive Racism Lynching in America: Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror How To Stop Police Violence - excellent Twitter thread Educational Resources via Black Lives Matter "Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture," by Tema Okun "White Fragility," by Robin DiAngelo "How to be an Anti-Racist," by Ibrahim X. Kendi   Look after yourself! This is an incredibly stressful and painful time. Here are some resources to get mental help: Free Virtual Therapy via The Boris L. Henson Foundation Find free help near you Inclusive Therapist Directory: Reduced Fee Teletherapy Rest For Resistance Top HelpLine Resources via NAMI 80 Awesome Mental Health Resources When You Can’t Afford a Therapist 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique for Anxiety Mental Health Resources - via Mental Health First Aid Find a Crisis Center near you 7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Right Now ​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​Toolkits & Handbooks: Instead of Prisons: A Handbook for Abolitionists  The Little Book of Restorative Justice Critical Resistance Abolition Toolkit Creative Interventions: A Practical Guide to Stop Interpersonal Violence Restorative Justice Toolkit with Preventative Measures Please don't hesitate to reach out with additional resources and suggestions.   Stay safe. Stay angry. Protect your joy. Nourish your wellness.