POWER UP WITH YOUth
See * Understand * Connect * Decide * Act
IT’S YOUR WORLD TOO
Learn about it! Find your place in it!
Help shape what comes next!
A nonpartisan Youth-Led initiative connecting young people with the knowledge, people, resources, and opportunities that help understand their communities, make a difference, and grow!
Young people aren’t just preparing
for their future.
They are part of shaping it now!
Transform the Trail
A Power Up “By Us-For Us” Program
THE TRAIL WE HOPED FOR - THE TRAIL WE FOUND
In 2003 the City of San Diego’s park plan identified the one-mile Encanto Walking Trail running parallel to the Chollas Creek Watershed as a open space for residents to enjoy.
In 2024 the Power Up students visited the post office for zip Code 92114 named in honor of Judge Earl B. Gilliam, an Encanto Neighborhood hero and national treasure and discovered the trail. What they found was not what they expected.
The plan described a community asset. The students encountered a community liability. The trail was neglected, overgrown, unsafe, dangerously uneven, unhealthy, trash filled, unmaintained and unsustainable.
.
We wanted to Learn and Understand What Happened?
What did their city promise??
Why hadn’t their City kept their promise and implemented the plan for over 23 years?
Had their community been silent without demanding action for 23 years?
Could they develop a plan and transform the trail into a healthy beautiful space for resident and visitors.
In 2024 Power Up Youth and their Mentors made their own promise!
WE WILL TRANSFORM IT!
FROM THIS TO SOMETHING LIKE THIS
Join us!
Together in 4 years we will transform the Encanto Trail trial into
THE ENCANTO CULTURAL TRAIL AND STEM ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
A great open space that we design:
Worthy of a great man, our great people, our great culture, our great legacy, and our great community and ourselves!
Up the Turnout 2024!
A Power Up “By Us - For Us " Program
120 students added 1220 voters
We collaborated with youth, teachers, community leaders, elected officials and volunteers to hold an event for the community to celebrate the youth and their success.
Testimonials
As a young person, being able to lead in the uP the Turnout campaign made me realize that my voice truly matters. It gave me the confidence to advocate for issues that affect my community, and now I feel empowered to lead even more initiatives.”We inspired over 1200 community members to take part in the democratic process. – Henry, Youth Lead Ambassador
“It was amazing to see the support we received and how our collective efforts made a real difference. I am stoked that I was part of a team of about 120 students that reached over 1,200 voters.” Alex, student
“Supporting the uP the Turnout community celebration was a powerful reminder of the strength of youth-led campaigns. Seeing so many young people passionate about making a change was truly inspiring, and I’m proud to have been part of it.”
– Clara Carter, Celebration Event Manager, Donor and Founder of MCCSN
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Get Involved
Power Up with Youth is more than just a campaign—it’s a movement. Whether you’re a student looking to get involved, a parent supporting our initiatives, or a community member eager to help, there’s a way for you to make a difference.
• Join Our Campaigns
• Become A Volunteer
• Donate
• Stay Connected Read Our Blog
Follow our journey and stay updated on programs, events, and opportunities for involvement. First Blog Post Title:
“The Encanto Trailblazers: Transforming Neglect Into Opportunity
Program Activities
- Educational Workshops and seminars to equip youth to lead with purpose
- Civic Engagement opportunities to lead campaigns
- Leadership Development training, and mentorship and hands-on learning experiences designed to build confidence, teach leadership skills, and foster a deep sense of civic responsibility.
- Community Collaboration partnerships and activities that enhance community bonds and promote positive change
- Advocacy Training to ensure their voices are at the table and heard in community decision making processes.
Campaign Mission: Empowering Young Voices
Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower young people to become active participants in their community’s democratic process helping their friends and family vote with understanding and intention.
Campaign Vision: Shaping The Future
We envision a world where youth leadership and active participation is central to shaping and developing healthy and vibrant communities.
In our first campaign, uP the Turnout, we partnered with San Diego Unified School District E and the BAPACSD Foundation to educate youth about the power and process of voting and to boost voter turnout.
Testimonials
As a young person, being able to lead in the uP the Turnout campaign made me realize that my voice truly matters. It gave me the confidence to advocate for issues that affect my community, and now I feel empowered to lead even more initiatives.”We inspired over 1200 community members to take part in the democratic process. – Henry, Youth Lead Ambassador