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On July 8th, the California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) and Mental Health America of California (MHAC) hosted their third annual TAY Days under the powerful theme “Capitol TAY-KEOVER!” The event took place at The California Endowment’s downtown Sacramento conference center, drawing transitional-aged youth (TAY) from across the state for a day of advocacy, connection, and empowerment.
MAS-SSF was proudly represented by our Shifa for Youth Program Manager Basit Choudhary, Program Director Samiya Malik, and five dedicated youth collaborators. Together, they joined dozens of other young leaders to advocate for stronger mental health policies and services.
We’re thrilled to report that just six days after TAY-KEOVER, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1034 into law—a major win for youth mental health advocacy. This bill ensures that teacher credentialing programs include youth mental health education. Another bill discussed that day, AB 727, which would require student ID cards in grades 7–12 and higher education to include The Trevor Project’s 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, is still pending—but we remain hopeful.
Highlights from the Day:
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Advocacy Visits: Youth met with legislators and staff, sharing personal experiences to push for mental health reform—and were highly praised for their courage and insight.
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Capitol Tours: Attendees explored the Capitol’s history and learned how public policy is shaped.
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Community Building: Our MAS-SSF team connected with fellow advocates from across California, sharing stories and strategies.
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Skill-Building Workshop: Youth engaged in a dynamic session on using lived experience to influence systems change and elevate their voices in policymaking.
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Lunch: A delicious halal meal from Crest Café fueled the day—chicken and rice or falafel boxes with salad and drinks.
We are proud to stand with MHAC and CAYEN to uplift youth voices and advance mental health equity through our Shifa for Youth Program. Advocacy works—and our youth are taking action!
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