Home News

Youth First Campaign:

Over 100 young people in Bakersfield showed that Dr. King's dream was still alive on MLK day 2009. On January 19th, 2009, scores of youth sacrificed their vacation day and hit the streets of Bakersfield to do community service. A part of Faith In Action's "Youth First" campaign, volunteers worked at the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, Bakersfield Rescue Mission, Bakersfield AIDS Project, Heritage Park, MLK Park, and east Bakersfield neighborhoods. The service day concluded with over 200 youth gathered for music, food, and inspirational speakers.

To learn more about "Youth First," contact:
Jorge Gonzalez- Youth First Organizer
661-631-9200
Bakomobius@gmail.com

How it all began:
During the summer of 2008, a group of youth brutally beat and killed an 81-year-old parishioner of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and east Bakersfield Resident. This tragic event sparked a large conversation amongst Faith In Action leaders and clergy about the inclusion of youth in our work. Faith In Action resolved that youth should always be "first," an a concerted effort should be made to promote youth leadership throughout the network.

Faith In Action's Response

On July 14, 2008, Faith In Action clergy launched its "Youth First" Campaign, an effort to reach out to hundreds of youth throughout the community and hear their thoughts, concerns, hopes, and fears. Faith In Action is employing the PICO organizing model to engage young people and promote youth leadership. Click here to read The Bakersfield Californian's Article

Join the Campaign!

Faith In Action's Accomplishments-

Since Faith In Action's launch the "youth first" campaign, leaders and clergy have spoken with and surveyed hundreds of youth in the community. As a response of what we've heard, Faith In Action organized a couple of actions:

• 7.21.08- Faith In Action Leaders speak up to save our county libraries and parks from budget cuts during the Kern County board of supervisor's budget meeting.

• 7/21/08- Over 65 Faith In Action Leaders and Supporters participated in the County Of Kern's Evening Budget Meeting Monday Night. The group's main goal was to prevent the proposed cuts- equally nearly $1 million- to Kern County Libraries and over $600,000 in Parks and Recreation. Watch the video!

Upcoming Events:
Come and support us at our
upcoming actions and events