Civic Engagement
Name 3 Different ways that youth can be civically engaged.
Youth can be civically engaged by volunteering for community service projects, participating in student government or clubs, and attending public meetings or rallies to advocate for issues they care about.
True or false: city council meetings are open to the public.
True.
City council meetings are typically open to the public to encourage transparency and civic participation.
Which decision-making body has the authority to propose, amend, and pass laws for the entire state of California?
A) Board of Supervisors
B) City Councils
C) California State Legislature
The California State Legislature, consisting of the State Assembly and the State Senate, has the authority to propose, amend, and pass laws for the entire state of California.
True or false: anyone can speak at city council meetings.
True.
City council meetings often have a public comment period where anyone can address the council on matters within their jurisdiction.
True or false: If you want to propose a ban on single-use plastic bags in all grocery stores within your city, you would need to approach the City Council.
True. You would need to approach the City Council to introduce this proposal, as it has the authority to enact local ordinances within the city.
True or false: Youth are unable to be members of decision-making bodies like city council, board of supervisors, and school board of trustees.
False.
While age requirements may apply, youth can be members of decision-making bodies through liaison positions, youth advisory councils, or similar programs.
True or false: you can register to vote starting at 15 years old
False
In California, you must be at least 16 years old to pre-register to vote.
Which group of officials is responsible for making decisions related to county-wide services and initiatives in Santa Cruz County?
A) Assembly
B) Board of Supervisors
C) County Clerk
The Board of Supervisors is responsible for making decisions related to county-wide services and initiatives in Santa Cruz County.
hat is one way to bring concerns about public transportation to the attention of an Assembly representative?
One way to bring concerns about public transportation to the attention of an Assembly representative is to email or call their office and request a meeting to discuss the issue. Their information can be found online!
If your neighborhood association wants to propose a new speed limit on a busy street within your city, which local government body would you need to approach?
A) Board of Supervisors
B) An Assembly Member
C) City Council
You would need to approach the City Council to advocate for this change, as it has the authority to set and modify speed limits on city streets.
True or false: Being a part of a leadership group is not a form of civic engagement.
False.
Being a part of a leadership group, such as a student government or community organization, is a form of civic engagement that involves taking an active role in decision-making and community service.
True or false: anyone in the USA can vote for any state official
False.
You must be a resident of the state in order to vote in its elections. Other things can also infringe an individuals right to vote.
Name one difference between the city councils in Santa Cruz County.
Jurisdictional Boundaries
What's the easiest way to bring concerns about the basketball court to the attention of the Board of Supervisors?
1) Contact the parks and recreation department
2) Email an assembly member
3) Attend one of their meetings
The easiest way to bring concerns about the basketball court to the attention of the Board of Supervisors is to contact the county's Parks and Recreation Department or submit a complaint through the county's website.
Is it more effective to engage with your City Council member on social media or via email?
Engaging with your City Council member via email is often more effective as it allows for a direct and formal communication channel.
These are basically mini teams that serve each city in Santa Cruz County
City Councils
True or false: If there is a concern in Santa Cruz City, residents should first go to the board of supervisors.
False.
Residents of Santa Cruz City should first address their concerns with the Santa Cruz City Council, as it governs municipal matters within the city.
What do assembly members do?
Assembly members serve in the California State Assembly and are responsible for proposing, amending, and passing laws for the state of California.
How can you make sure the City Council hears about your neighborhood association's proposal to add more streetlights?
You can make sure the City Council hears about the proposal by attending a City Council meeting and speaking during the public comment period, contacting individual council members, or submitting a formal proposal to the city clerk's office.
True or false: You can only vote in person.
False. In addition to voting in person at polling places, voters in California can also vote by mail through absentee or mail-in ballots.
What are 3 organizations that serve youth in the county?
Examples may include youth centers, mentoring programs, and youth advocacy groups.
Who is in charge of overseeing voter registration and elections in Santa Cruz County?
A) County Clerk
B) Assembly
C) City Council
The County Clerk is in charge of overseeing voter registration and elections in Santa Cruz County.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors?
The primary responsibilities of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors include overseeing county-wide services and initiatives, approving the county budget, and making policy decisions for the county.
How can you make a suggestion to the local decision-makers about adding more trash cans in public areas?
A) Attending a city council meeting
B) contacting a city council member
C) Both A and B
You can make this suggestion to local decision-makers by contacting your City Council member, attending a City Council meeting, or submitting a formal request through the city's website or office.
Which local government official is responsible for maintaining public records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and property deeds, in Santa Cruz County?
A) Board of Supervisors
B) Assembly & Senate
C) County Clerk
County Clerk