Clarissa Laguardia: Getting young people engaged in the democratic process

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined today by Clarissa Laguardia, Executive Director of the California Center for Civic Participation (CalCenter). CalCenter is a non-profit organization that works to engage young people in the democratic process. Their approach to civic participation centers youth voices, demystifies the process, and equips and connects young people with opportunities to create impactful change in their communities.

Laguardia is passionate about CalCenter’s projects – she knows firsthand the importance of engaging in the political experience. She grew up in El Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War and migrated to the United States after high school, speaking no English. She navigated the immigrant experience largely on her own, mastering the language and gaining a profound understanding of the importance of communication. Her background has helped her connect with young people statewide.

While CalCenter’s programs have always been the heart of the organization, it is probably best known for producing The California Roast. For decades, the Roast was one of the highest-profile fundraisers on the Capitol calendar, with Governors, Attorneys General, Speakers, Pro Tems and other well known California pols flaming each other in a bawdy evening of – mostly – good-spirited fun. The Roast ended nearly a decade ago – and backfilling that fundraising is a challenge in itself.

1:33 A Conference on Housing

4:39 PSA: Op-Eds

5:55 Clarissa Laguardia

7:06 What is the CalCenter?

9:21 Capitol Focus, She Shares and The California Roast

12:11 “Speaking their language”

16:32 Shout out to Jim Muldavin

18:08 Laguardia’s backstory and how it helps her connect with young people

20:14 “Being the other has helped me… I know what it’s like in my own skin”

26:39 Cynicism about Democracy

29:26 Reaction of students

34:04 Shake the Future Up