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Kody discovered her passion for youth engagement and social justice after college when she joined The kNOw Youth Media, now a program of Youth Leadership Institute, which aims to empower young people to share their own stories through a community health lens.
Initially a mentor and youth reporter, Kody eventually joined the staff and later advanced to the role of Communications Manager. Now, Kody supports youth across California, helping them to shape their own narratives through storytelling.
Kody is optimistic for the future and is inspired by the growing interest in political engagement among young people. Among the several key social issues that young people are currently advocating for, affordable housing is a priority concern and she emphasizes the importance of personal narratives in empowering young people to voice their vision for the future. Whether it’s through the written word, art, video or another medium, she stresses that storytelling is a powerful tool for effecting change and fostering a sense of belonging in communities.
![](https://www.calendow.org/app/uploads/2024/06/Kody-Stoebig1.webp)
Kody sees youth involvement in storytelling and civic engagement as a bright path to significant social change. She encourages young people to continue engaging in democracy, highlighting the potential for younger generations to build a more inclusive and equitable society through collective action.
Campaign:
My Vote Creates Change
The matter of Belonging is core to our theory of change as a health equity-minded foundation.
July 13, 2023
Banning Books is Bad for All. Belonging is the Answer
![Banning Books is Bad for All. Belonging is the Answer](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
November 22, 2022
Philanthropic Investment in People Power
![Philanthropic Investment in People Power](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
January 14, 2022
Bob’s Blog: The Matter of Belonging
![Bob’s Blog: The Matter of Belonging](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
January 30, 2023
Bob’s Blog: “Mom! Mom!”
![Bob’s Blog: “Mom! Mom!”](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
Our Focus Areas
![FA Image](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
Health Systems
Health Systems
Learn how we are using the immense power in belonging to help build a healthier, more just California for All.
Learn More![FA Image](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
Justice Reinvestment
Justice Reinvestment
Re-imagining a criminal justice system that centers on prevention and healing.
Learn More![FA Image](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
Inclusive Communities
Inclusive Communities
Our communities and neighborhoods thrive when policies advance health and racial equity for all Californians.
Learn More![FA Image](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
Power Infrastructure
Power Infrastructure
Building Power in resilient communities across the state for a stronger California.
Learn More![FA Image](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)
Schools
Schools
Academic achievement, inclusive learning environments, and health go hand in hand.
Learn MoreAligning Our Capital to Invest in Change
Learn how our investments align with our mission and values around the pursuit of health and racial equity as we seek to use people power to lift up communities.
Explore Our Impact Investing![Explore the campaign](https://www.calendow.org/app/themes/tce/assets/images/0.gif)