Girl Scout Spotlight: Vivi Yun
Championing Youth Voices and Making an Impact Through Advocacy
Ambassador Vivi Yun's Girl Scout journey has been filled with leadership opportunities and a commitment to service, leading to her current role on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
Vivi joined the inaugural YAC class during her sophomore year and is serving another term through spring 2025. The Youth Advisory Council offers youth the chance to weigh in on state policy and practice, providing critical recommendations to the Commission. Vivi’s role allows her to give a voice to the issues that matter to young women today, like safety, education, and health. Read on to hear what Vivi had to say about her experience.
GSSD: What are you focused on this year as a Youth Advisory Council?
Vivi: We meet virtually every month as a full group of 28 and in our subcommittees. This year is really exciting because the YAC is shifting its focus to policy work, and there is so much happening. My safety subcommittee is advocating for important changes like passing a Title IX self-defense bill and a bill to add the sexual assault helpline to the back of school/university IDs to increase the safety of women and girls across California.
As I have grown older, I’m becoming more interested in public service and advocacy. Eventually, I want to go to law school and focus on human rights, and this experience is a natural steppingstone for that.
GSSD: What have you learned so far from this experience?
Vivi: I have learned a lot about the importance of flexibility and collaboration. When I’m working with commissioners and other girls, I’m balancing so many different ideas, perspectives, and people. The law isn’t perfect, and the government is also imperfect. I have learned to focus on the bigger picture—the work I'm doing—rather than getting caught up in smaller details or frustrations.
GSSD: What would you say to encourage other girls to get involved?
Vivi: I was always taught through Girl Scouts to not be scared and to unapologetically go for what I want and make a difference. I especially learned that through the Cool Women Celebration event as an Emerging Leader Girl Scout last spring. It was so cool to have our achievements be celebrated and to know that even though all the Girl Scouts in my class were so different, we support each other fully.
As for this advocacy work, I don’t think we can separate politics from our day-to-day lives. The laws we make and the people we elect affect everything we do, even if it doesn’t seem obvious. Girls should pay attention. be aware of what’s happening around them, and be inspired by the amazing women in politics. So many women in Congress were Girl Scouts! So even if political cynicism has gotten ahold of you, know that there is always hope.
Apply Now for the Youth Advisory Council!
The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is seeking new members for the Youth Advisory Council. This is an incredible opportunity to shape public policy and advocate for important issues affecting women and girls across the state. Girls ages 14-20 who live in California are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by Thursday, Oct. 17.
