**Increased Participation Expected in the 2024 Youth and Children’s Consultation**
In Baja California, there is a concerted effort to boost involvement in the upcoming Youth and Children’s Consultation, as previous participation numbers were notably low. The National Electoral Institute (INE) in the region is aiming for a significant increase, targeting the involvement of 215,415 individuals under the age of 18. This represents a substantial rise from the 2021 figures when only 59,414 participated, placing the state at the bottom in participation rates.
The consultation, which will run from November 1 to 30, is open to children and adolescents aged 3 to 17. The initiative’s goal is to engage young people in expressing their opinions on pertinent issues affecting their daily lives. The INE’s local executive board member, Liliana DÃaz de León Zapata, emphasized that each age group will have a different set of questions: 16 questions for ages 3-5, 19 for ages 6-9, 20 for ages 10-13, and 25 for ages 14-17.
Voting stations will be set up in elementary and high schools, communities served by the National Council for Educational Development (Conafe), shelters, group homes, and social reintegration centers in Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali.
The consultation will focus on three primary topics: creating safe community spaces, caring for the environment and animals, and preventing addictions among youth. Importantly, these topics were not chosen by adults but through focus groups where children were asked for their preferred discussion subjects.
The ultimate aim of the consultation is not only to give youngsters a platform to voice their thoughts but also to ensure that those opinions are considered by relevant institutions, thereby influencing decisions and actions that impact their lives.
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**Secondary Article: Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Youth Engagement in Civic Processes**
Efforts to increase youth engagement are evident across various initiatives throughout the region. In line with the goals of the 2024 Youth and Children’s Consultation, other programs aim to develop significant projects such as improving border crossing efficiency in San Diego, with the support of the Bank of North America.
In social welfare, a recent safety operation at Prime Wheel, following a workplace accident, highlights ongoing measures to ensure worker security across industries. Additionally, the introduction of the “Botón Morado,” a system to alert authorities in cases of gender or domestic violence, has seen over 621 downloads with 63 alerts issued, illustrating the state’s proactive approach to safeguarding vulnerable populations.
These efforts collectively underscore a broader strategy aimed at fostering a more inclusive, aware, and proactive community regarding both civic participation and social safety.