In 2010 the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted a Bill of Rights for Children and Youth. Written by adults, it has served as a guide for decision-making regarding budgets and policies. Recognizing the importance of youth voices in civic engagement efforts, the Santa Clara County Office of Education, the Children’s Agenda, and the County of Santa Clara encouraged youth leaders of the Youth Liberation Movement to create an updated bill of rights grounded in the ideas and wisdom of young people. Their work began in the summer of 2022. 

“The updated Bill of Rights for Children and Young Adults was created by youth and with youth,” said Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, County Superintendent of Schools. “It is an essential resource for understanding the priorities of youth and encourage continued investments and advocacy in areas that will benefit all Santa Clara County youth.” 

At the SCCBOE meeting, members of the Youth Liberation Movement spoke about the collaborative efforts to bring forth a bill of rights reflective of youth voices emphasizing their needs and the role adults have in providing for those needs. 

“I’m proud that Santa Clara County youth and young adults are advocates for their needs and hold value in having seats at tables where decisions are made and impact them. Student input and youth voice are so important to achieving these goals of the Bill of Rights for all youth,” said Victoria Chon, Santa Clara County Board of Education President. 

At the annual Children’s Summit in March 2023, the Bill of Rights for Children and Young Adults for Santa Clara County was unveiled and included in the annual databook. To learn more, visit https://www.kidsincommon.org/bill-of-rights​.