Share your voice
Young people know their lives and communities best. Join a conversation led by other young people to share what is working, what you need, and what should change. What you share will inform the 2027 Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and help DCYF plan future programs and services. Youth Sessions will begin in September 2026. Check back for more details.
What are CNA youth sessions?
Youth Sessions are conversations where young people can talk about programs, services, and opportunities in San Francisco. Other young people lead the sessions and ask what is working, what youth need, and what should change.
What youth share will become part of the 2027 Community Needs Assessment.
Led by youth for youth
Members of DCYF’s Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) Cohort plan and lead the sessions. They create activities, guide conversations, and listen to what other young people have to say.
Their work helps make sure youth voices are included in City planning and decisions.
What we are hearing
Youth Sessions will begin in September 2026. As sessions take place, we will update this page with the needs, priorities, and ideas we hear from young people.
Check back to learn what youth want DCYF and the City to know.
About youth sessions
The 2027 CNA helps DCYF understand what children, youth, transitional-age young adults (TAYA), and families need and how they find, choose, access, and experience DCYF-funded programs and services.
Youth Sessions give young people a direct way to share what is working, what they need, and what should change. DCYF will combine what youth share with input from Focus Groups and DCYF Grantee Sessions, program data, and other research.
DCYF will also use findings from the Citywide Community Needs Assessment (CCNA) to provide broader context about the needs of children, youth, TAYA, and families across San Francisco.
Who can take part?
Middle and high school youth in San Francisco can take part. Some Youth Sessions may be designed for certain ages, schools, or communities.
Check the details for each session to find out who can participate.
What happens at a CNA youth session?
You may take part in a group conversation, an activity, or both. YEP cohort members will guide the session and ask what is working, what young people need, and what should change.
There are no right or wrong answers. You can share your ideas and experiences in your own words.