Youth Bill of Rights

We, the youth of San Diego County, believe every young person has a right to everything we need to be happy, healthy, and prepared to reach our potential.

We demand the following rights be provided for all youth, with the acknowledgment that systemic racism and economic inequality have created vast disparities in the opportunities present in our diverse communities.

Youth will be seen, heard, and treated as equal members of our community with dignity and respect and free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Youth will have transformative and restorative justice that provides opportunities for personal growth while fighting against our exploitation and oppression, and redressing larger social ills.

Youth will have the food and nutrition to fuel the pursuit of our dreams.

Youth will have the support and freedom to express themselves in ways including, but not limited to, identity, faith, sexuality, gender, dress, speech, art, and action without fear of retribution.

Youth will have an intergenerational community of caring adults in our lives who help us build confidence and develop competence.

Youth will have safe and sustained housing.

Youth will have a safe and healthy environment with fresh air, clean water, open space, and protected wildlife that we will be able to share with futủre generations.

Youth will receive free, culturally-responsive, inclusive education and training that prepares us to be thoughtful, productive community members, with the freedom to pursue our goals.

Youth will have transportation and mobility options to connect to opportunity and explore our communities.

Youth will have access to free, quality, comprehensive, and holistic health care.

Youth will be treated as equal partners in identifying the problems, developing solutions, and making the decisions that impact us and our communities, with our voices being sought and included.