Facts & Figures

Survey Reveals That Despite Disconnect between California Youth and Their communities Youth Remain Optimistic About Their Own Futures Poll Kicks Off New Statewide Campaign by the California council for the Humanities to Hear Directly from Young People about their Lives and Experiences

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The California Council for the Humanities nnounced today the results of a survey of California young people and the launch of a new statewide campaign to hear the stories and experiences of the state’s youth in their words. California Stories: How I See It is the third major campaign of California Stories, a multiyear initiative that aims to strengthen communities and connect Californians by uncovering personal and community stories that tell the story of our state today.

In July, the Council surveyed 600 Californians between the ages of 14 and 22 (nearly half were teenagers), representing one of the most diverse populations in the state and country. The Council sought to hear about respondents’ experiences, opinions and hopes, as well as the role that diversity and the humanities play in their lives.

“These young people represent a future we will all share. They are often talked to, talked about, marketed to and advocated for, but how often do we actually listen to them?” asked Jim Quay, executive director of the Council. “California Stories: How I See It is an invitation and an opportunity for young people to share – in their own words – what their lives are like, what they care about and what it’s like growing up in such a diverse and changing state.”

The poll, conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited through online interviews in English and Spanish found that:

• Half of young Californians surveyed said they are not very or at all involved in their own communities;
• Four in 10 respondents described having little to no ties to their community
• When asked why less involved youth weren’t more involved, one-third said they did not know how to be more involved in their community.
• Half of youth cited having friends from other cultures as something that brings them closer to their community;
• Only one third of respondents believe their communities will be better in 10 years, with Asian and Hispanic respondents slightly more optimistic;
• Some 87 percent of young Californians expect their lives to be a little or much better in 10 years, with African-Americans and Latinos more optimistic than Caucasians; and
• Nearly one of every four respondents felt that people have trouble accepting them for who they are.

The Council created its new campaign to provide a means for young people to connect to their communities and develop essential skills to create a successful future. Beginning in the spring of 2007, schools, community centers, libraries and the Internet will provide many opportunities for Californians to hear what it is like for young people growing up in the state, including:·

• A digital storytelling project will team young people with award-winning filmmakers and humanities scholars in several California communities to produce short films revealing what they see and experience in their daily lives. The final digital stories will air online, at community venues and possibly on local and national television.·
• An interactive immigration Web site – the first of its kind – will provide an unprecedented look at California immigration. Young people’s voices and vision will anchor the online exhibit, which will include short video segments on recent and second-generation immigrant youth and their families; historical insights on immigration from California’s founding through present day; classroom curricula; and an opportunity
  for others to post their stories.·
• Libraries across the state will help young people research, develop and present stories on cultural topics important to their lives and frequently misunderstood by adults or society. Participants will share what they find out in a variety of settings and through a variety of means, including performances, video and computer generated slide shows and PowerPoint presentations.

“How I See It will enable young people to produce their own stories using digital media they know as consumers, including video and the Web,” added Quay. “During the process, young people will learn the planning and analytical skills needed to shape their stories and the technical skills to bring their stories to the public. Most important by participating in programs, young people will build confidence in their voice and abilities.”

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