(Woodland, CA) – April 12, 2022 – This past Friday through Sunday, April 1-3, students from Davis High School, Woodland High School, Yolo High School, River City High School and Douglas Middle School attended the 5th Annual Multi-Cultural Community Council Youth Leadership Academy. The mission of the Multi-Cultural Community Council is to seek fair and equal justice, facilitate understanding, ensure open communication, and promote community participation, education and diversity within the criminal justice system.
Twenty-three students successfully completed the three-day program which promoted the importance of relationships, acceptance and peace within Yolo County communities. The Yolo County District Attorney Office Multi-Cultural Community Council brought in a variety of community members and organizations to discuss these topics. Presenters encouraged the students to engage and become involved in their communities. The students and facilitators discussed the importance of taking pride in community and learning how to understand the one’s self. Students also learned about the criminal justice system.
Many students shared their thoughts on the positive experience they had. One student stated, “This experience has been incredible! It was fun to learn about all the criminal justice and law enforcement roles. What I liked most was the mock trial, CSI presentation, just everything.”
Another reported that “The things I liked most about the presenters and/or activities was that we could ask actual professionals questions I’ve always wondered and it brought me confidence as to the fact that I could do what they do, when I grow up.”
A third student commented, “I truly liked everything. My favorite part was the mock trial and the way we, the students, were given a voice to talk to our community leaders.”
At this year’s event, with the collaboration of Superintendent Garth Lewis and the Yolo County Office of Education, students heard from motivational speakers, were offered volunteer opportunities, interacted with police officers from the Woodland, West Sacramento, and Winters Police Departments as well as the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department and the Probation Department, witnessed a mock domestic violence trial, heard from crime victims and perpetrators, and learned about community organizations.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig discussed the importance of this event. “We all want to make a difference in our community which starts with our youth,” said Reisig. “It was amazing to see the students realize that despite whatever background they come from, they have unlimited potential to improve their community and become whatever they dream of being, whether it be a police officer, a teacher, a DA or public defender, a doctor, or an engineer.”
County Superintendent Garth Lewis stated, “We appreciate the partnership with the District Attorney and the Multi-Cultural Community Council to host this important event which provides a much-needed opportunity for youth to engage with their community.”
Gladys Mitchell, Parent Partner with Victor Community Support Services stated “The Youth Academy is a transformative experience. Our kids were exposed to a weekend of real-life possibilities that will impact their lives forever.”
The plan moving forward is to seek input from the graduates so next year’s Academy will be even better. For more information, please contact Victim Services Program Manager and MCCC Co-Chair Laura Valdes at (530) 666-8187 or Laura.Valdes@yolocounty.org.
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