On Dec. 8, KYCC’s environmental services unit and youth services units joined forces with other community organizations and greening industries to support the City of Los Angeles’ Million Trees LA Environmental Youth Conference. More than 2,000 youth, ages 12 to 21, participated in the city’s first youth conference focused mainly on global warming and climate change. This event introduced many of our youth to local businesses and organizations that currently work to make Los Angeles a healthier and more sustainable city.

In an effort to help educate and motivate our youth to “think globally and act locally,” KYCC brought 17 youth to the conference to take part in this event. The youth were introduced to youth panelists and presenters, who discussed how young folks can work within their schools and communities to help Los Angeles become more green. KYCC’s environmental services unit was invited to share some of our educational services with the youth, which revolve around water conservation, recycling, tree planting and graffiti removal. Staff networked with youth and informed them about how they too can help their communities become more green through urban greening projects.

The message that youth came away with was that thinking and acting green make Los Angeles a better place to live, work and play.

KYCC was happy to be part of a city program that connects youth to local community organizations, promotes environmental activism, and provides volunteering and service learning. KYCC would like to thank Million Trees LA (www.milliontreesla.org) for organizing the event and LADWP for all of its support of KYCC’s urban greening projects.