California walks youth leaders: Peer-mentorship & leadership development for community-driven healthy transportation advocacy

Since 2009, Youth Leaders have been working with California WALKS to create a healthier California—a safer place to walk, play, go to school and work—through VideoVoice. VideoVoice is a community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) method where youth, older adults, and other community members self-select and collect video data on existing health and safety conditions, identify importance, articulate desired outcomes, with roles they and others play in achieving desired change. Cal WALKS Youth Leaders have travelled across the state to peer-mentor and train—via workshops, conferences, and webinars (in English and Spanish)—other youth, older adults, public health practitioners, and community members in VideoVoice technique and best practices. By moving beyond “token” community engagement, VideoVoice is a powerful, easily understandable communication strategy that cultivates sustainable leadership in advocacy for healthy, safe, and equitable communities. Cal WALKS Youth Leaders' work has served as a catalyst for healthier communities where all can share in solving daily challenges.

In this session, Youth Leaders will present how they initially engaged in VideoVoice, why they work with Cal WALKS, what they've experienced traveling statewide mentoring youth and adults, what community successes have occurred, how Video Voice has influenced their future career paths and led to active CBPHC Youth Council participation.