Accomplishments

In the last fifteen years, we have successfully:
€ Trained and supported the involvement of over 1,000 youth in community organizing efforts throughout California through our programs. Many YUCA youth have gone on to lead their own organizations and become decisionmakers and officials in their communities!

€ Received local and national recognition for YUCA¹s model of youth leadership development including the 2008 Community Heroes Award, the 2008 Outstanding Youth Program at the National Philanthropy Day, the Paradox Fund, and as one of the 2008 Top Ten Youth Activism Stories by Mother Jones Magazine!

€ Promoted youth voice within the environmental justice movement.

€ Helped launch youth organizing projects within community organizations.

€ Shut down Romic, a hazardous waste toxic plant in the community of East Palo Alto, after 12 years of continuous pressure on regulatory agencies and the company for accountability!

€ Stopped a hazardous concrete batch plant from locating in East Palo Alto.

€ Won the shutdown of a concrete batch plant in East Palo Alto.

€ With the Environmental Justice Air Quality Coalition, won the placement of air monitors in East Palo Alto and the adoption of environmental justice principles by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

€ Won a ballot measure to tax hazardous waste facilities 10% of their gross receipts.

€ Increased local control over hazardous waste facilities through the passing of a Conditional Use Permit Ordinance.

€ Conducted a survey documenting cancer and asthma rates in East Palo Alto.

€ Stopped condo conversions in the community.