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All Children Thrive 2.0 Projects
April 2024
What is ACT?
All Children Thrive (ACT) stands as a pioneering initiative in California, initially backed for 3 years by the Mental Health Services Act and later extended for an additional 5 years by the state legislature. Spearheaded by Public Health Advocates and the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities, ACT's central mission revolves around preventing childhood trauma and empowering local residents to catalyze sustainable policy changes for the benefit of children and families.
ACT achieves its mission through a multifaceted approach. This includes providing training and coaching to democratize data access, raising awareness about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) prevention and social determinants of health, and fostering connections across the state. By doing so, ACT endeavors to weave a network of communities dedicated to forging a healthier and more equitable future for all children.
These communities undertook projects focused on one of three Community Action Areas intended to improve child and youth wellbeing in California.
Youth Development and Civic Engagement – empowering youth and cultivating the future wellbeing of communities
Promoting Healthy Child Development - meeting developmental needs early in life to lay the foundation for health and wellbeing
Creating Protective Environments – building inclusive, safe, and trauma-informed environments that enhance the development of both children and their communities
ACT Cities Map
Here is what communities that work with ACT have achieved recently in their respective action areas:
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Youth Development and Civic Engagement
Antioch
The ACT-Antioch team has been focused on creating a youth hub centrally located in the City of Antioch. ACT-Antioch has been carried out by Antioch’s Youth Civic Leaders Society (YCLS), who actively engaged the community by distributing the YCLS Youth Survey, hosting listening sessions, and meeting with elected officials. They have partnered with Contra Costa Family Justice Center, Elliott & Associates Consulting Group, and youth leaders to make this vision a reality. A total of 78 participants identified the need for a youth center as it will provide a safe and supportive space for young people to engage with positive peers and adults, programs and activities, and opportunities to connect, learn, grow and thrive. The YCLS’s advocacy for a youth hub in Antioch at the City Council Meeting was also featured in the local newspaper Contra Costa News .
Antioch Dashboard containing data from their youth survey
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Coachella
For ACT-Coachella, the goal is to secure funding and build a robust youth development center. To achieve this goal, youth ambassadors from Coachella engaged community members, peers, and businesses to capture their needs, identify a policy ask, and develop proposed solutions. Ambassadors held a community forum and a strategic planning meeting to advance their plans. Youth received education and learnings that consisted of training on civic engagement and advocacy, health and wellness, as well as other resources, tools and experiences to prepare the ambassadors to engage in this process. The project has creatively utilized a Digital Story Map to communicate progress and engage the community in this transformative initiative.
Coachella Youth Ambassadors
Ambassadors and adult allies traveled to Sacramento and engaged with Representative Eduardo Garcia's office, aiming to gain insight into the legislative processes. During this visit, they presented their youth center proposal and received positive encouragement and feedback. The trip turned out to be exciting and extremely helpful, setting the stage for the next steps of gathering community allies for support.
Click to explore the full Coachella story map!
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Maywood
Maywood Youth Commission
ACT-Maywood has demonstrated a proactive approach to youth involvement throughout its work with All Children Thrive. The City of Maywood collaborated with ACT and the YMCA to provide local youth policy training and exposure to the policy-making process. Capping off these efforts, the Maywood City Council passed an ordinance on September 27, 2023 establishing the city’s first Youth Commission. Two months later, as a result of their hard work and the guidance from the ACT-Maywood team, three youth members from the ACT Design Team were selected to be part of the 5-person Commission. Currently, the team is finalizing a sustainability plan to continue operations and a comprehensive Digital Story Map, showcasing their team’s achievements over the past year.
Click to explore the full Maywood story map!
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Oxnard
The Oxnard ACT project led by BRITE Oxnard focused on Youth Development and Civic Engagement through a youth-led collaborative effort with the City of Oxnard to establish a Youth Governance Board (Youth Advisory Council). The Oxnard Youth Design Team continued their work in Oxnard and identified their priority focus to be a policy issue surrounding food insecurity in their community. Through data collection from community surveying, collaboration with other community-based organizations, and discussions with City Council members, the Youth's proposed solution was focused on increased and equitable access to Community Gardens for Oxnard residents. These Youth leaders are now dedicated to the ongoing planning and maintenance of Community Gardens , and with a financial commitment from the City of Oxnard will be able to continue their work in Community Gardens and food distribution to Oxnard residents experiencing food insecurity. Youth involvement in the ACT project and their focus on community gardens has increased their social awareness, empathy, and socio-emotional and cultural connection to the shared land and community.
Oxnard's Youth Leaders
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Pomona
ACT-Pomona has focused their efforts on urban green spaces working towards ensuring that every resident has access to parks and open areas. Pomona’s continuous strategy building and planning on concepts like the Youth Park Commission and Adopt-a-Lot highlight youth engagement in their policymaking process. Through active recruitment efforts at local high schools, ACT-Pomona successfully collected 578 responses to park surveys from both youth and adult residents. These survey results were analyzed to better understand local needs for parks and green space. In the spring of 2024, Pomona’s Youth Design Team will be presenting park survey findings and their recommendations in front of the City Council.
Survey Question: How often do you visit a local park?
The ACT-Pomona team has been featured in the local newspaper La Nueva Voz , and youth members of the team continue to engage with the local Youth Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission to educate and collaborate on the development of a Youth Parks Watch Committee and activation of an Adopt-a-Lot project. Their goal is to create employment opportunities for Pomona’s Youth and to develop a proactive and engaged group of Pomona youth who will take ownership of their local parks.
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Sacramento
Following the successful passage of Ballot Measure L in November 2022, which established a Sacramento’s Children's Fund with earmarked funding for positive youth development and prevention programs, the Sac Kids First Coalition led by Youth Forward, has taken a data-driven approach, conducting focus groups and a city-wide youth survey thanks to the technical assistance received from All Children Thrive at UCLA, emphasizing research and learning.
The coalition held pivotal meetings with the Mayor and City Council members, and coalition members gave public comments at the Law & Legislation Committee meeting on November 28, 2023. These educational discussions were followed by the Measure L Oversight Committee Meeting on December 11, and wrapping up the year with an End of Year Celebration on December 14, marking significant accomplishments and progress in fostering positive youth development and prevention programs for the City of Sacramento.
Sacramento Council District Map
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Santa Paula
ACT-Santa Paula is committed to enhancing and expanding youth center funding, policies, and programs. A recent success was the renovation of a youth center wellness room. ACT Youth Ambassadors were granted a $3K budget from the Parks and Recreation Department to revitalize a room where youth can rest and recharge. The space is also meant to foster positive mental health practices and youth wellbeing.
Youth took ownership of the project by designing the layout, presenting their proposal to staff and council, building furniture and shelves, decorating and mounting items. ACT Youth Ambassadors also hosted an Open House event at the youth center on Thursday, November 9 where they gave tours and shared stories with participants.
In both May and August, the ACT youth leaders tabled at Farmers Market and Cruise Night to collect survey data to better understand their community’s needs. This work was aided by Measure T, which has played a vital role in supporting the Parks and Recreation Department, making some key hires possible and contributing to the overall success of youth-focused initiatives in Santa Paula.
Santa Paula Milestones in 2023
Explore the full Santa Paula story map!
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Vallejo
ACT-Vallejo is dedicated to violence prevention and expanding the definition of public safety to include youth programs. In October 2023, the Youth Development Team (YDT) completed an in-person policy training, titled "Planning Your Next Steps," and they are continuing to collaborate with the Vallejo School District and community partners to address future policy work effectively. Notably, The Jameelah Hanif from Watch Me Grow, Inc., a Community-Based Organization involved in the project was nominated for the 10th Annual Women of the Year Awards, highlighting the impactful work the community was able to accomplish, supported by their ACT allies and coaches.
Explore the full Vallejo story map!
Vallejo youth's experience with gun violence
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Promoting Healthy Child Development
Yuba County
ACT-Yuba County worked to publish a Community Health Action Plan (CHAP) to guide decision-makers and shape policies for the towns of Challenge and Dobbins. Through initiatives like the Recycling FUNdraiser and monthly meetings, they have enhanced community engagement and provided a platform for youth involvement.
Challenge-Dobbins Map for publication in CHAP
Proceeds from these events were used by the Camptonville Community Partnership (CCP) to fund a youth trip to Six Flags, creating positive experiences for its young leaders. Their work with ACT has gained support among stakeholders, including a crucial support letter from partners and funding to continue their work for another year.
CCP, along with community members, brought their work to major meetings, including the October 4th Prevention Council Meeting and the Board of Supervisor Meeting on December 12th. Yuba County’s CCP coalition members aim to reinforce the county’s identity as "a rural place to call home where everyone is valued."
Click to explore the full Yuba County story map!
ACT-Yuba County project events
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Creating Protective Environments
Bakersfield
The ACT-Bakersfield team has set goals of creating safe routes to schools and parks and implementing Complete Streets in South Bakersfield. The expansion of the Adopt-a-Park initiative underscores Bakersfield's work to enhance public spaces. The Greenfield Walking Group (GWG) has actively promoted the Adopt-A-Park program and installed flashing lights on streets around Stiern Park, which they adopted, and near Golden Valley High School.
Bakersfield youth members engaged in field research
Youth participation has been the highlight of Bakersfield’s work. The GWG Youth Committee, a group of high school students from Bakersfield, are actively seeking solutions to address safe routes to school, safe routes to parks, equitable park access, and access to community facilities. The ongoing renovation of the Youth/Community Center is also a testament to Bakersfield's investment in providing quality spaces for youth. Their community presentations, city council meetings, and involvement with CBOs on General Plan efforts are evidence of Bakersfield’s successful collaborative approach.
Click to explore the full Bakersfield story map!
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Boyle Heights
ACT-Boyle Heights project has been led by the determined efforts of the members of Friends of Boyle Heights and Friends of Hollenbeck Park Coalitions. Uniquely grassroots-led, coalition members composed of tenacious high school aged youth, young adults, working adults, and seniors alike have been dedicated to the improvement of the Boyle Heights community for 20+ years. They centered their efforts around Creating Protective Environments in the Boyle Heights community through a Park Equity focus that brings attention to the need for investment in Safety and Maintenance at local community parks and green spaces. The Coalitions worked together to co-create a data collection tool called Boyle Heights Quick capture, conducted research, and then utilized the results to inform their community focus and community policy recommendations. Over the course of this past year, the coalitions have continuously engaged in Park Commission hearings, Educational sessions with local decision makers and staff members. Most importantly, they have been able to submit a memo of Policy recommendations for the Boyle Heights community plan which is set to be approved by the LA Planning Commission and then LA City Council. The Coalitions leading this work are determined to be heard so that ACTion is brought to the historic community of Boyle Heights. In January of 2024 the LA Parks Commissioners awarded 4.9 Million for park safety and beautification at Hollenbeck Park explicitly in response to the Coalition's efforts.
Boyle Heights Park Observations Map
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Fresno
#FIBER4FRESNO press conference
ACT-Fresno’s goal is to establish affordable and reliable broadband infrastructure for rural communities and multi-dwelling housing in the county. Fresno extended the deadline for Digital Equity surveys to ensure community input, and is actively collecting local and state surveys to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. With the support from Community-Based Organizations and decision-makers, the FFA Grant was secured for affordable and reliable broadband infrastructure in low-income multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and rural areas in Fresno. The ACT coach for Fresno worked with The Children’s Movement (TCM) to create a sustainability plan, which helped inform how TCM can stay connected long term to the ACT project team. TCM then made the decision to serve on the board and become the fiscal agent for the 501c3 application of its ACT coalition.
Click to explore the full Bakersfield story map!
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Modesto
ACT Modesto QuickCapture tool
A youth-driven park equity project has taken shape in Modesto, aiming to address the lack of equitable access to key parks in underserved and low-income neighborhoods. ACT-Modesto has made significant progress, developing an in-depth digital story map and data dashboards visualizing information on parks and walking routes collected through youth-led fieldwork. This fieldwork was done using custom data collection tools co-developed with the ACT technical assistance team. Youth shared their findings in community presentations, fostering awareness and support for their work advocating for improvements to local parks. Their progress has also been featured in the local newspaper, The Modesto Bee .
The team drafted the Modesto ACT Resolution, highlighting their commitment to creating protective and healthy environments in the city. Specifically, the resolution addresses disparities in park access, emphasizing the need for safe, accessible, and well-maintained parks, particularly in underserved communities. With significant results from their park survey project, the youth met with elected officials to raise awareness and gain support.
Modesto Dashboard with data from park survey
Redwood Valley Rancheria
ACT-Redwood Valley Rancheria (RVR) is working towards replacing vending machines with healthier Native food options. In October 2023, the ACT-supported Youth Council delivered a presentation in front of the Tribal Council, where they provided healthy Native snack samples. Their compelling presentation led to the Tribal Council agreeing to their requested policy change.
RVR basket weaving activities
Additionally, RVR team hosted community feasts featuring delicious Native dishes to celebrate the tribe's rich heritage. Residents voted for their favorite recipes, leading to the promotion of these cherished dishes in local Mendocino County restaurants. The community's efforts have not only honored its traditions but also raised awareness of Redwood Valley Rancheria's unique culinary treasures.
Click to explore the full Redwood Valley Rancheria story map!
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Santa Ana
Santa Ana is a city committed to equitable park access, in collaboration with ACT, is dedicated to making progress on park safety and maintenance. Historically, Santa Ana is one of the most populated cities in California and has been identified as a park-poor city, especially in areas with lower household income. Santa Ana Community leaders held Action Planning Sessions and strategically identified five priority parks to work on. This initiative was presented to Mayor Pro Tem Jessie Lopez, who agreed to include it to the City Council Agenda. To find out more about what the community needs, the ACT-Santa Ana team co-designed and distributed a survey to community members to better understand why families were not visiting parks in Santa Ana. Gathering over 1,300 data points through community engagement, the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative (SAELI) advocated for improved hygiene stations, safety measures, and accessibility at parks. Based on their research, the community lead initiative has identified five local parks as top priority:
Santa Ana Park Survey Map
Madison Park
Memorial Park
Delhi Park
Centennial Park
Angels Park
Community members concluded that they needed to create a community engagement and implementation committee that would help fix the problems facing their local parks and bridge the lines of communication between city hall and the community. They want to be part of the decision-making process as it relates to the city's public green spaces. The team continues to meet with city officials to discuss forming a Community Engagement and Implementation Committee (CEIE). If CEIC becomes a reality it will act as an advisory body to the Parks & Recreation Commission. CEIC will also serve as the platform for enhancing community involvement in park management, maintenance, and safety and in other future City projects.
Santa Ana Dashboard with data from park survey