Youth Leadership

Meet Alex Ricardo, DuCAP’s Glendale Heights Teen Leadership Group Leader. For nearly two years, he has stepped up to lead, connect with his community, and show what youth leadership truly looks like.

I recently joined DuCAP, and even though I’ve only attended a few meetings so far, it has already become a place I hold in high regard. Joining a new organization can sometimes feel nerve-wracking, especially when it involves leadership and public engagement. But from day one, DuCAP has made me feel welcome, and it’s easy to feel like I belong. Right from my first meeting, I noticed how supportive and organized everything is. The leadership team fosters a culture where people

We often hear people say, “Teens don’t step up like they used to.” Or maybe the better question is: When did showing up turn into scrolling? For many of us, growing up meant knocking on doors, fundraising face-to-face, setting up lemonade stands, or hosting car washes to raise money and awareness. Being actively involved in our communities was hands-on. Leadership wasn’t something you were told you had, it was something you practiced. Today, youth engagement looks very differ