Building Virtual Experiences
In recognition of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, many communities are activating virtual experiences to complement or replace in-person activities. Many communities are seeing milestone success with reaching new youth audiences through virtual experiences, and local agencies are sharing similar results. Municipalities should definitely start or continue offering virtual youth engagement experiences that connect young people to workforce and civic experiences. The virtual environment provides significant flexibility and minimizes some of the transportation equity challenges that may have existed in the past.
Broadband access remains a challenge in many communities, but many youth have access to a cell phone with internet access even if they don’t have wi-fi. To support that, local agencies should ensure that all youth-centered virtual activities are mobile-access friendly.
Virtual Programs:
- RYSE Youth Center: https://rysecenter.org/our-programs
- Sacramento Area Council of Governments Youth Leadership Academy: https://www.sacog.org/youth
- Innovative Pathways to Public Service Careers In Government Day: https://pathways2publicservice.org/cigd/
- iCivics Counties Work Games: https://www.icivics.org/games/counties-work
- Virtual Recreation & Resource Programs: https://www.cityofsalinas.org/our-city-services/recreation-community-services/programs/virtual-recreation-resource-center