San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes
Monday, October 20, 2014
5:15-8:00pm
City Hall, Room 416
1. Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94102

There will be public comment on each item.

Jillian Wu, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Rosa Chen, Emily Guo, Luis Avalos Nuñez, Precious Listana, Joyce Wu, Noah David, Alex Berliner, Joshua Cardenas, Michel Li, Anna Bernick, Sophie Edelhart, David Zheng

1. Call to Order and Roll Call for Attendance

The meeting was called to order at 5:16 pm. All commissioners were present. Staff present: Adele Failes-Carpenter, Allen Lu. There was quorum.

Commissioner Cardenas requested to be excused requested to be excused from the November 3rd meeting. Commissioner Zheng motioned to excuse the absence. Commissioner David seconded. Commissioner David requested to be excused from the November 17th meeting. Commissioner Edelhart motioned to excuse the absence. Commissioner Berliner seconded. There was no public comment. The motion to excuse Commissioner David passed unanimously by acclamation. The motion to excuse Commissioner Cardenas passed unanimously by acclamation.

2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)

Commissioner Wu motioned to approve the agenda. Commissioner David seconded. There was no public comment.

3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

A. October 6, 2014
(Document A)

Commissioner David moved to approve the minutes from October 6th, seconded by Commissioner Bernick. There was no public comment. The motion was unanimously approved by acclamation.

4. Public Comment on Items not on Agenda (Discussion Only)

There was none.

6. Presentations (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

A. Presentation on the Youth Empowerment Fund
Presenters: Betty Sells-Asberry, YEF Program Manager; Breanne Harris, YEFAB & Mini Grants Coordinator; DeAsia Landrum, YEF Youth Leadership & Advocacy Coordinator; Prishni Murillo, Senior Program Planner, Dept. of Children, Youth, and Their Families
(Document D)

This item was called out of order. Betty Sells-Asberry introduced herself. She shared an overview of the YEF organization. DCYF is supported by and administers the Children’s fund, which is up for reauthorization. 3% of the Children’s fund is dedicated to youth initiated and youth-led projects. Some of the principles of the funds are: youth should be making decisions that affect their lives; youth should have access to resources that enable them to design their own programs and opportunities; Youth are capable of being leaders. The two strategies YEF funds are youth-led philanthropy (CHALK Youth Funding Youth Ideas and Youth Leadership Institute BLING) and Youth Organizing (ie. Mission SF, Project WHAT, PODER). YEF also runs its own programs, offers mini-grants and leads city-wide events like Youth Advocacy Day and the poster contest. The mini-grants are administered by YEFAB. Youth Warriors award and fellowship honors nominated leaders throughout the city.

Ms. DeAsia Landrum provided a more thorough overview of the youth advocacy and leadership program. Youth Warriors is designed for youth with previous leadership experience who are looking to bring their leadership to the next level by learning more about public speaking, facilitation, and civic engagement. The YW have weekly meetings on Tuesdays. The Youth Warriors host a poster contest and showcase. Youth Advocacy Day is an all-day event with SFUSD high schools where young people experience youth-led workshops and have discussions on issues that they care about. This year the focus will be on access and equity. Then they attend meeting with city officials. For instance, SFMTA, DCYF, Public Health, HSA. The Youth Commission is included every year. Each year we go to Sacramento to learn about more access points. The program also does service learning. Youth Warriors will be selecting service learning opportunities.

Breanne Harris gave an overview of the Youth Empowerment Fund advisory board and mini-grants program. The mini-grants program is a grant-giving program and young people submit applications to address community need. The fund offers 5-10 thousands dollars for projects addressing those needs. They are currently accepting applications. The project proposals are reviewed by the YEFAB who administer 100 thousand dollars to youth-led projects. Applications are accepted twice a year.

The following YEFAB members introduced themselves: Arvaughn Williams a junior at City Arts and Tech introduced himself. Tamaya from Washington HS introduced herself. Erica an ICA student introduced herself. Karla from ICA introduced herself. Christian a senior at Burton introduced himself. Telaya a senior at Wallenberg introduced herself. Elijah from Kipp introduced himself. Anthony a junior at Burton introduced himself. Holly, a junior at Lowell introduced herself. Houston, a senior at Galileo introduced herself. Karen, a senior at Galileo introduced herself. Elaine from Academy of Arts and Science introduced herself. Christian, a sophomore at City College introduced himself.

Temaya gave an overview of projects funded last year. Seven projects were funded. Arab awareness and education. Middle school BBQ’s for elementary students. Chinatown youth and elder project on disaster readiness. Middle school girls who created a technology maker space. Peace of Mind media. Project Level youth radio. Stamp youth health summit. Earlier last year the fund funded: Skits and films on sexual health awareness. Anti-bullying films and lesson plans. Campaign action research about children with incarcerated parents. Kids to kids at Wallenberg HS regarding parental divorce. Mobile museum studio program. Project Safe Space mural project. Teen pregnancy awareness by teen parents. Together we can reduce our footprint, Balboa HS students working on recycling and composting initiatives.

Commissioner Cardenas asked about the results of the action research. Arvaughn Williams explained that Project WHAT will be presenting the survey results and potential policy reccs back to the youth commission.

Commissioner Berliner asked about the age range funded by YEFAB. Ms. Sells-Asberry explained that the projects have to be driven by youth under eighteen, but there can be group leaders over seventeen. This is a stipulation of the current children’s fund. There is no bottom limit, but it tends to be the 13-17 age range. Ms. Sells-Asberry explained that if the amendments to the Children’s fund pass, that would be reassessed.

Commissioner Bernick asked what issues they are planning to focus on in the future. Ms. Harris explained that YEFAB focuses on need-based projects that connect back to a youth need, but do not have to be related to a particular social justice issue. The granst are quite open-ended. Commissioner Bernick asked if any grant-making strategy are focused on youth with disabilities. Ms. Harris explained that if those projects are proposed by youth, they would be considered.

Commissioner Listana asked whether YEFAB funds travel grants for leadership conferences, etc. Ms. Sell-Asberry explained that yes, the fund has in the past. The fund does not make determinations on areas that should be funded or develop particular funding “areas,” but base their consideration on what youth propose.

Commissioner Cardenas asked what the average grant was. Ms. Asberry explained that the maximum was 10 thousand dollars.

Commissioner Guo asked what standards are used to determine which projects to fund or not. Temaya explained that the board uses multiple strategies. The application are reviewed by the entire board and they vote. Christian explains that one criteria is that something is an outstanding need that will not happen or be funded if it is not chosen. They look at things that will have long term impact within San Francisco. The assess the amount of planning and the number of youth leaders involved.

Commissioner Joyce Wu asked how Youth Warriors, YEFAB, and YAC come together. Ms. Harris explained that YAC is under the Youth Warriors Youth Warriors is focused on civic engagement and advocacy. YEFAB is focused on funding youth projects.

Commissioner Listana asked what type of support and check in is in place for the grantees. Ms. Harris explained there is an orientation, mid-cycle gathering, and a final grantee gathering, as well as youth-led workshops for project leaders.

Commissioner Cardenas asked how many times a group can reapply for the grant. Ms. Harris explained there is not a limit, but that the YEFAB is recomposed every year and each YEFAB develops its own funding priorities. If they are applying for funding again, they assess whether the last project was successful and how they are growing their project.

There was no public comment.

B. Presentation on and request for feedback and support on the AFT 2121 City College of San Francisco Community Outreach Survey and request for endorsement of the City College of San Francisco Bill of Rights
Presenter: Tim Killikelly, President, AFT 2121; Dimitrios Pilliou, City College of San Francisco Student
(Documents E and F)

Mr. Killikelly introduced himself and thanked the youth commission for passing a resolution in 2012-13 in support of city college. He reminded commissioners of the the upcoming lawsuit by the city attorney against the ACCJC. He explained that he is seeking an endorsement of the City College Bill of Rights. The first point is access, and that the college is present for everyone in the community. The second point is maintaining a broad mission including non-credit and ESL classes. CCSF is one of the largest English teaching institutions in the U.S. The college has lost enrollment, which is down over 25% the last few years. There is no evidence that students are going elsewhere to other area community colleges. We want to make sure we have a college that is restored to capacity. We want to see fair working conditions. The faculty at CCSF are making 4% less than in 2007 due to cut backs during the financial crisis, but there have been no raises since the economy has improved. The college does not have a board of trustees with authority. We want the elected board returned to power. We want to make sure that the constituencies at the college: students, faculty, staff all have a say in the college’s future, not only administrators. We hope you will endorse this bill of rights.

Chair Li asked what was entailed by endorsement. Mr. Killikelly explained the bill of rights is being brought to many area organizations for endorsement. It is a matter of joining the chorus speaking up for an accessible, affordable, and democratic college.

Commissioner Bernick asked about the trial coming up. Mr. Killikelly explained that the accreditation commission made a decision to threaten to revoke accreditation despite the fact that the visiting team that came to evaluate did not recommend it. The commission decided against the report of the visiting team. There was not even one person on this visiting team who wanted to put the college on show cause. The evidence that has come out through this case by the city attorney showed that the college does better in nine of eleven areas than every other community college in the state. Yet, the college was still being sanctioned. The commission’s response was that it was irrelevant what the educational quality was in the scorecard. The judge is going to rule on this in the court trial on the 27th of this month. Mr. Killikelly explained that the college is open and accredited and they want students to stay enrolled!

Commissioner Avalos asked what the benefit of a board of trustees versus the special trustee is, because there are arguments on both sides. Mr. Killikelly explained that although the U.S. congress was being dysfunctional when it shut down government, it would not be appropriate to have the president run everything. Even when a body has problems, it is still important to have democratic governance. When the commission was meeting to rule on the accreditation for city college had to develop new rules about why any college would need a special trustee appointed. The college was not fiscally insolvent. The special trustee has overridden the voters decisions about Prop A, which was supported by 73% of voters. We have to respect the democratic process. Things at the college have gone downhill under the special trustee, especially that 25 thousand fewer people are being educated at CCSF. There will be a new election for the board of trustees.

Commissioner Joyce Wu asked what the hope of having organizations endorsing are. Will this be used as evidence at the trial? We wanted to re-include life skills and cultural enrichment on the mission statement to include the elderly, people learning languages and the arts. These have historically been part of the mission of the college. These were removed to appease the commission, who do not like to see a broad mission statement. That is not the purview of the accreditation commission. That is a matter of local control. San Francisco has said they want an ESL program. This document will show a broad support for a broad mission to the college that San Francisco voters have supported.

Mr. Pillou explained that he is a long time student at the college. He explained the importance of electives, arts and music, which are being overlooked in the new industrial model of education. Under the pressure from the commission, enrollment has dropped, classes have been cancelled. Teachers have been quitting. We need community support from all fronts. People from all walks of life attend city college. It is a valuable community tool and community resource. As long as we are building prisons and shutting down schools, we need to defend these institutions. One of the key aspects of this attack has been the change to the mission statement. If we, as the richest city in the country cannot educate our populace, we send a message to the rest of the country. He explained that commissioners can help by taking classes at city college.

Commissioner Joyce Wu asked how students were involved in writing the bill of rights. Mr. Pillou explained that it was a coalition of students, faculty, and community members. It was a very democratic process.

Commissioner Listana asked why the accreditation committee was put in place in the first place. Mr. Pillou explained that the accreditation commission is the only agency that does accreditation. They are subcontracted by Dept. of Ed. There was no other option to turn to. They are a private institution. Another long term ask is that there are other accreditation boards, but right now we want people to endorse the bill of rights. San Francisco has these resources because people have fought for them.

Chair Li thanked the presenters. She asked Commissioner Cardenas to give an overview of the YC’s past work on city college. Commissioner Cardenas explained that the commission had a piece of legislation referred from the Board of Supervisors that was unanimously supported urging support for the reinstatement of the elected board of trustees. The commission also had support for a democratic and accessible city college among its budget and policy priorities for the last two years. Commissioners have attended community meetings and rallies. We recognize the impact the college has on our communities and the commission has supported an accessible city college throughout the accreditation crisis. Commissioner also attended the superior court hearing.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Bernick, seconded by Commissioner David, motioned to support the bill of rights. The motion was passed unanimously.

 

5. Legislation Referred from the Board of Supervisors (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

A. [BOS File No. 140987] Hearing – Educational and Support Services for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children
Sponsors: Kim, Yee, Avalos, Campos
Presenter: Legislative Affairs Officer
(Documents B and C)

The chair then returned to item 5 and resumed the normal order of the agenda. Commissioner Avalos explained that this hearing was practically already heard, but there was not quorum, so the file is still open and there is opportunity for the youth commission to give comment. He explained which departments were present. Commissioner Cardenas gave further context for the discussion regarding the needs of unaccompanied minors. The city approved a legal services allocation.

Commissioner Avalos explained the main coordination efforts that are occurring. The biggest need is clarifying the needs of youth between the city and school district. The school district will be hiring someone to support unaccompanied minors. Commissioner Joyce Wu explained that the immigration committee discussed this issue. Commissioner Avalos explained that one of the predominant reasons children are fleeing is because of violence, so one need is mental health support. One concern is waiting to hear who has been hired for the new position at the school district.

Commissioner Listana suggested that the school district help youth sign up for Free MUNI for youth. Perhaps SFMTA could be looped in.

Commissioner Berliner suggested seeing if Youth Funding Youth ideas could fund something on immigration for a leadership project. Director Carpenter clarified that recommendations can best indicate types of services or initiatives needed, without naming particular organizations that should be resourced to provide them.

Commissioner Joyce Wu asked what program helps youth enroll in schools when they arrive. She suggested that youth need help even getting into school upon arrival. She suggested this as an inquiry.

Commissioner Bernick asked how housing was being provided for unaccompanied minors. Commissioner Avalos suggested that this did not seem to be a top priority among the service coordination happening. The focus is placing them with existing family members.

Commissioner Wu restated her motion: To inquire at the hearing if there are any city services that help any city services or newcomer programs helping youth learn how to enroll in school. This was seconded by Commissioner Avalos.

There was no public comment.

This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Edelhart motioned to inquire about mechanisms to hear directly from these young people in evaluating how the services are going, and to involve them in advocacy on these issues. David seconded. The motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Edelhart made a general motion of support. It was seconded by Commissioner Bernick. The motion was passed by acclamation.

7. Youth Commission Business (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

A. Presentation and request for support of the Youth Commission’s Communications and Outreach Officers 2014-15 outreach plan (First reading)
Presenters: Commissioner Listana; Commissioner Zheng; Allen Lu, Coordinator of Community Outreach and Civic Engagement
(Document G)

Commissioners Zheng and Listana introduced themselves. They shared the goals outlined in the draft outreach plan.

Commissioner Cardenas asked about the social media outreach strategy. Commissioner Zheng explained that one idea was to host surveys online. Commissioner Listana explained that they would like to open an instagram account and use word of mouth outreach. Commissioner Cardenas commended the outreach team on their goals.

Ms. Carpenter clarified that off-site meetings must be noticed 15 days in advance. Commissioner Avalos suggested making a press contact list.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner David requested a recess. A recess was called at 7:11 pm. The meeting was resumed at 7:17 pm.

B. Proposed Revision to the 2014-15 Youth Commission Bylaws regarding use of Board Rule 2.12.1
Presenter: Commissioner Avalos Nuñez
(Document H)

Commissioner Avalos presented the proposed amendments to the bylaws regarding the youth voice policy. He read the amendments into the public record.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Avalos motioned to adopt the bylaws as amended. Commissioner Bernick seconded. The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.

C. Request to Join Dignity in Schools as an Organizational Member
Presenters: Youth Justice Committee
(Document I)

Commissioner Berliner explained that Dignity in Schools is a network and coalition working around school pushout, school discipline, and school policing. She read the points of unity into the record.

Staff clarified that the request to join the network came out support that was shared through the process of the SFPD-SFUSD MOU work. This is not endorsing a policy statement, but joining a network to share updates, technical assistance, and resources on efforts to promote rehabilitative approaches to school discipline.

Commissioner Berliner motioned to join the network as an organizational member. This was seconded by Commissioner Listana. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.

D. Request to Join Community Justice Network For Youth
Presenter: Youth Justice Committee
(Document J)

Commissioner Berliner explained that this was a request to join a national conversation and capacity building network about rehabilitative approaches to youth justice. There was no public comment.

Commissioner David motioned to support the request to join. Commissioner Bernick seconded. The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.

8. Committee Reports (Discussion Only)

A. Housing, Environment, and City Services Committee

Commissioner Bernick explained that the committee had not yet elected chair and conducted research on city services.

B. Immigration and Employment Committee

Commissioner Wu explained that the committee helped host the young voters forum at Balboa HS. The committee had a presentation from the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs.

C. Youth Justice Committee

Commissioner Berliner explained that she was elected chair and Commissioner Cardenas as vice chair. The committee received updates on the police commission approval of the domestic violence DGO. Commissioner Edelhart explained the DGO passed and youth commissioners gave comment on the need to ensure data collection and sharing capacity to assess outcomes; recommitting to training officers on working with youth; and committing to reviewing the policy in six months. The committee plans to request a tour of the child advocacy center and a meeting with FCS, as well as for a calendaring of the review. Commissioner Berliner gave updates on the police camera hearing and the camera pilot program.

D. Executive Committee

Commissioner Edelhart updated that the committee confirmed Commissioner Jillian Wu as the first YAC representative. She updated the commissioners that EC members would be reaching out for one on one check in’s.

9. Staff Report (Discussion Only)

Staff clarified that votes on policy issues that the youth commission has not previously taken a position on typically go up for two readings. Staff gave updates from a recent meeting with MTA; Shared updates on the CCSF court hearing; Informed commissioners about the Diamond Youth Shelter item at the Planning Commission; Shared there will be a Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council meeting on November 18th; Staff reminded commissioners to finalize elections for the health service system.

10. Announcements (This Includes Community Events)

Commissioner Berliner invited commissioners to an event raising awareness about police brutality and to a book reading event. Commissioner Avalos invited commissioners to a farewell BBQ at the Ernest Ingold Boys and Girls club, which is moving locations to closer to Western Addition. Allen Lu invited commissioners to the LSYS drop in for a voter educational informational event. Commissioner Berliner invited commissioners to an anniversary event for a women’s jail visiting event.

11. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.