CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake City Councilman Joey Luiz met with other elected officials and national leaders last week in Los Angeles at the ninth annual convening of People For the American Way Foundation’s Young Elected Officials Network.

At the convening, Luiz explored policy initiatives, participated in issue-based training sessions, and shared ideas with 120 fellow elected officials from across the country.

Luiz, 32, was elected to the Clearlake City Council in 2010 and has been a member of the Young Elected Officials Network since his first year in office.

He brought his own unique perspective to the convening, sharing his experience working for Clearlake on issues from economic development to public safety.

“This has been an incredible experience to network and learn with other young leaders from all levels of government,” stated Luiz. “I am honored to represent the people of Clearlake in my position on the City Council and apply the many things I have learned this week to my future policy decisions.”

The Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network, a project of People For the American Way Foundation, is composed of more than 800 federal, state, and local elected officials ages 18 to 35 from all 50 states.

It is the first national initiative to provide a network of support to young elected officials who share the values of freedom, fairness, and opportunity.

The theme of this year’s convening was “Of, By and For the People,” reflecting the YEO Network’s belief in the importance of elected leaders fighting for democratic reforms to address widening inequality and ongoing attacks on our constitutional rights.

At the convening, young elected officials discussed policy solutions on topics ranging from economic justice and voting rights to environmental sustainability and heard from speakers including Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD), civil rights legend and affiliate People For the American Way Board member Dolores Huerta, People for the American Way Foundation founder and iconic television and movie producer Norman Lear.

“It was inspiring to see so many young, dynamic elected officials come together to learn from each other this weekend,” said Andrew Gillum, director of youth leadership programs at People For the American Way Foundation.

Luiz attended this event using his personal funds without any expense to the taxpayers he represents.