Young Sunnyvale residents are honoring Cesar Chavez’s legacy by making community contributions of their own. The third annual Cesar Chavez Youth Action Day is March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale. The event comes just in time for Cesar Chavez day March 31.
Alicia Gilliam, youth and family resources program coordinator for the city of Sunnyvale, said the event gives teenagers “an opportunity to learn about [Chavez’s] civil rights leadership and how youth can be leaders of today by getting involved in local community service initiatives.”
Middle and high school students ages 13-18 are invited to participate in the event, which includes eco-friendly park and trail restoration projects.
“Cesar Chavez Youth Action Day continues to evolve and grow every year,” Gilliam said. “This year, youth will understand more about being better stewards of our environment and helping to restore California western burrowing owl habitats and trails at Baylands Park.”
Those who sign up will also learn about the struggles and accomplishments of Chavez, a South Bay native.
“We explore the many hurdles that Cesar faced and how he was able to prevail over adversity,” she said. “We emphasize to youth that their city values their contributions and recommendations and believes in their amazing potential as future city leaders.”
Organizers hope the event grows in future and are already taking ideas for 2016 projects.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/SunnyvaleRecreation.
