NLC’s Congressional City Conference (CCC) provides a collaborative space for city leaders, including youth delegates, to advocate together for municipal support needed from the federal government. Having leaders in local communities who provide an authentic space for youth to share and the resources to elevate their voices to the federal level helps youth express their views effectively. Youth who know their local government cares can create a ripple effect throughout the surrounding cities and increases education opportunities for all youth.
Racial tensions this past summer sparked Dejah’s interest in federal advocacy and prompted her to learn what more she could do. Not a day went by that news of another incident of police brutality, systemic racism, or protests demanding justice didn’t show up on social media. Seeing people that looked like her being unjustly murdered for the color of their skin began to take a toll on her mental health. Growing up, Komal’s father and bro