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Nov 9 - Dec 31, 2023

Building Healthy Communities, Monterey County

Mission

BHC Monterey County activates resident voice and power to build an inclusive, anti-racist democracy and safe, thriving communities.

The Big Idea

BIG picture:

Building Healthy Community of Monterey County (BHC) is a catalyst for positive change, weaving together the dreams and aspirations of local youth with the power of community support. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing youth leadership, BHC cultivates a flourishing environment where young minds thrive, voices are amplified, and lasting transformations unfold. Through innovative programs, BHC supports the leadership of the next generation to break barriers, embrace diversity, and drive meaningful change, fostering a healthier, more equitable, and vibrant community for all.

Program Activities:

Leadership Training Workshops: We will organize interactive workshops to equip youth with essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, public speaking, facilitation skills and project management.
Civic Engagement Seminars: We will conduct seminars to educate youth about local government structures, community development, and advocacy strategies to enable them to effectively engage in civic activities.

BHC has completely altered my life and given me an opportunity to go to college while simultaneously learning about my community and providing a rich environment for others that feel like they do not belong in the grand scheme of society. Many stories in my community, including mine, may seem like anomalies due to the many factors dictated solely by the zip code into which we were born. However, Building Healthy Communities stepped in and gave me a chance at life. It was through this work that I escaped the school-to-prison pipeline, and the creation story of the school-to-organizer pipeline emerged.

- Alexis Mendez