Creating Space for Youth in Big Bear: Aedan’s Story
THE GAP
In Big Bear, there aren’t many places for young people to go.
Especially in the winter.
When snow closes parks and public spaces, options shrink fast.
WHAT COVID EXPOSED
During the pandemic, students were stuck at home, sometimes in difficult situations, trying to talk about serious issues over Zoom.
It revealed how few safe, consistent spaces Big Bear youth actually have.
Aedan decided that it needed to change.
RAISE THEM UP
Aedan and five other youth leaders formed Raise Them Up, Big Bear’s ACT youth advocacy group under The Mom and Dad Project.
Youth engagement is super important because we’re experiencing it firsthand.
A lot of local leaders don’t realize how excluded youth are.
Their Mission:
Build youth programs. Create safe spaces.
Establish a youth council so young people have a voice in
city decisions.
YOUTH VOICE IN ACTION
Through Raise Them Up, Aedan and his peers gained the skills, confidence, and civic knowledge to engage city leaders and advocate for safe spaces and youth representation in Big Bear.
Big Bear’s youth aren’t asking for space to appear. They’re working together to raise them up from the ground up.
Lasting change requires fresh perspective and bold leadership. Youth across California are already shaping solutions within their communities. Support youth-led efforts, elevate their voices, and let’s help build a future grounded in belonging, opportunity, and shared responsibility.